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Is the annual testing of home-school children such a bad thing? I'm not convinced that it is. I think it's a good measuring stick with which to compare against children who attend public school. In fact, I would venture to say that the average home-schooled child would perform better on average than the public-schooled pupil.

With Regards to a child taking tests for measuring progress, I say, NO. I home school my 13 year old son. I NEVER in my life suspected I would do this. But, when 11, he was under such stress (an A & B student) to PREPARE for the state testing, he became severely depressed and was suicidal (sp). Being hospitalized for a week with only an hour visit a day - made me realize he could not be placed in a "slot"... So, I homeschool. My education in public schools (I'm 51) provided quite a solid foundation. There are so MANY aids available (internet, cirriculum, assoications, etc) now. I see absolutely NO need to place my child in compitition just for the sake of measuring him by THEIR standards. I keep ALL his work, keep daily log of what we cover, and have a work plan. I am confident, that when it's time to attend college, he will be accepted at the school of his choice. He's smart, and he has the time each day to think, explore and improve.
With Respect,
Yellow Roses

"when 11, he was under such stress (an A & B student) to PREPARE for the state testing, he became severely depressed and was suicidal"

My daughter was so stressed after taking the ISTEP(Indiana) that she had a 5 month long period. Gynecologist could find nothing wrong. Did not stop even with radical medication and birth control pills. Stopped after she got results of ISTEP and passed.
Tell me again why passing this test should be mandatory to getting a high school diploma. This requirement is doing nothing but producing more dropouts(kids think they have no chance of passing) and severe physical and emotional problems due to stress.