We tested a few times in elementary/junior high. We used the Hewitt PASS test, which I liked for a few reasons:
1, I could administer it at home (no “proof” required, btw)
2, the tests are untimed (it can be a gentle intro to standardized testing for both of these reasons)
3, it only tests reading, math, and language arts, so I didn’t have to worry about history or science scores. (However, some tests on history/science are more like comprehension tests, seeing if the child understands how to make comparisons or use information rather than strictly knowledge-based testing–so you may find this isn’t a trouble-spot with regard to scope and sequence anyway. If you are going to test these areas, find out how the test you will use approaches these subjects.)
4, they have you give your kids a short pre-test to place them in each subject, so if you have a child who is working above or below grade level, you’ll get a more accurate picture of what they know.
We did this test 3 years, then did a regular test with other homeschoolers, and I noticed that scores could fluctuate quite a bit. So one thing I encourage moms to remember–don’t get hung up on what scores your kids get. These scores are only ONE evaluation tool–by no means the only one or even the best one. If your child does badly, don’t get down on yourself. Use it as an opportunity to think through whether you want to change anything. One year it reminded me that we hadn’t ever taught how to write a business letter, for example. Or that we needed to work more on capitalization and punctuation.
Standardized tests can never show all that your kids DO know, or what all of their strengths and weaknesses are–they can only show areas of weakness or strength that specifically pertain to things asked on the test. Try not to assign more value to them than they deserve–they can easily be a source of pride or a source of discouragement.
I like to think about academics in the same vein as physical training, mentioned in 1 Timothy 4:8. We should strive for excellence, but keep academics in perspective, just as we would keep physical training in perspective.
“…for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”