[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

To judge home-school applicants, they rely mostly on standardised tests of factual knowledge. Such tests cannot, however, reveal whether or not a student understands scientific method, a compulsory subject in public schools but not for home-schoolers.

Interpretation: How can they be considered educated when they do not believe in darwinian evolution?

Apparently the author believes that to deny evolution is to deny or to be ignorant of the scientific method. Perhaps he is the one who needs to go back to school.

[Sopater]

To judge home-school applicants, they rely mostly on standardised tests of factual knowledge. Such tests cannot, however, reveal whether or not a student understands scientific method, a compulsory subject in public schools but not for home-schoolers.

Evidently, NewScientist doesn't think its important to relate "factual knowledge" to the "scientific method".