My wife and I home schooled both our daughters. We faced this same question and so we understand the reasons or fears behind home school parents not wanting their kids to take such standardized government tests (getting on a government list of some sort to later to be used for who know what purpose).
That said, it would be better for the kids if their parents side stepped the issue and had them independently tested/certified (what thousands of other homeshoolers do every year)....and live to fight another day on larger questions. Just because the government sees fit to use kids as political fodder, it does not mean parents should.
That said, it would be better for the kids if their parents side stepped the issue and had them independently tested/certified (what thousands of other homeshoolers do every year).Nail on the head.
I don't agree with their total opposition to their kids taking a simple test, but if they object to the state's test, have an independent, certified teacher rate the children's level.
This is a good idea anyway for homeschoolers. We're just finishing my daughter's second year, and she's presently covering about two grades a year.