Any experience with educational evaluations?

[ladybugmomto2]

Hi there.
Okay..My ex-husband and I decided many years ago to homeschool our now 9yr old son. Now that we're divorced, however, he's decided that he's against it. My boy is VERY sensitive and very against the idea of going to a traditional school, and to be honest, I know he'll fall right through the cracks. I am devastated about this and also harboring some guilt because when things were tough, his schooling was quite sporadic at times. However, I've made sure to keep his mind busy, no matter what, he has learned and thrived wonderfully. I've finally gotten things together and bought/prepared and was ready to make this year our best HS'ing year ever! Yesterday, my ex stated his concerns with homeschooling at our custody hearing, and now it has been ordered that my 9yr old have an educational evaluation. I am really concerned because although my son is ahead in many areas, he may fall short in some. For example, his writing leaves a lot to be desired, simply because I didn't want him to get so frustrated that he gave up. We've taken writing at his own place, and he is just now finding a love of writing and working on fine-tuning those skills. Also, his father and I decided to forgo teaching the standard "social studies" the past couple of years and instead began teaching World History in chronological order last year. So, while he knows a little about Social Studies/US History, I'm not sure that he knows what the average 3rd grader has learned in traditional school.
I'm just at a loss with this whole situation. Does anyone have any experience with a child doing such an evaluation? What was it like?

Any input/experience would be great! Thanks in advance!

[mom2ponygirl]

I would probably lean toward having a professional give an individual achievement test like the WJ or WIAT-2 rather than a grade level test like like the ITBS or SAT-9. An individual test will mainly cover math, reading, and writing skills rather than specific science or social studies topics. It will also allow your son to show the areas he is ahead since these tests range from K to post-high school. Do you have the ability for the child to meet and feel comfortable with the test administrator? That would be my only concern, that he would feel intimidated by a stranger and not show his true abilities. Also I would stress the need for a complete assessment which should include other ways of measuring progress than a simple test. The test is a snapshot of one day and not truly indicative of all he has learned. Can you put together a small portfolio of some of his work? It could even be stuff he has dictated if his writing holds him back.

Just some random thoughts - hope it is of some help.