In this episode, Modulo sat down with the unstoppable Ellen Crain, founder of homeschoolboss.com, which provides standardized testing to homeschool & microschool students using the MAP growth test. From homeschool mom to education entrepreneur, she has built a company serving 15,000 students that helps give families an in-depth understanding of their children’s academic strengths and challenges to empower them to understand where to focus their learning.
We talk about the controversial subject of standardized testing (benefits and pitfalls), common core, the psychology of testing and how good assessments can support families in curating a better education for their kids.
We also discuss how to talk about the test with your child, so it can be used to encourage a growth mindset.
Whether families are looking to fulfill a state requirement for standardized testing or get an in-depth look at their child’s strengths and weaknesses with an in-depth adaptive exam, homeschoolboss.com is an extraordinary resource for evaluation and support.
From Homeschool Boss, “MAP Growth tests are adaptive, cross-grade, and achievement-focused. An adaptive test means that your student will experience a test that flexes with them as they answer each question. Each test level provides challenging questions with the potential to go above grade-level to adequately measure your student’s current knowledge level.
Resources mentioned on this podcast episode
Homeschool Boss: Standardized testing for homeschoolers, microschools and private schools.
MAP Growth Test: An adaptive assessment for measuring achievement and growth in K–12 math, reading, language usage, and science.
NWEA: The non-profit which created the MAP growth test and partnered with Ellen to bring Map to homeschoolers across the country.
Khan Academy Mappers: A free resource families can use to build a customized learning path using the Map test.
Beast Academy: An adaptive online math program and series of math workbooks.
AoPs: Math curriculum for K-12th grade from the creators of Beast Academy.
Right Start Math: A hands-on, multi-modal math curriculum for PreK-12th grade
Mensa: Resources and support for gifted students
Newsela: An online learning platform for Social Studies. Science. ELA. SEL. 20+ content types. Ellen recommends adjusting the “Lexile Level” to help children learn at their own pace.
Modulo: That’s us! community, resources, and expert support for homeschooling families.
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Check out the full interview on YouTube
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Modulo's interview with Ellen Crain (Founder of Homeschool Boss)