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FAQ
Have questions about the PASS test? Look here first for the answers. If you don't find an answer to your PASS test questions, email us or call at (800) 890-4097.
General
I've heard great things about the PASS Test. Will you please tell me more about it?
How does the PASS differ from other standardized tests?
Ordering the PASS Test
Is there a charge for the PASS? How much?
Is there sales tax on PASS tests?
What information do I need to send Hewitt Homeschooling Resources in order to receive a PASS?
What is the difference between ordering PASS test, PDF PASS, and Level PASS?
How much time should we allow between ordering and actually receiving the PASS test?
Is the four weeks I'm given to administer the test from the date it was printed or from the date I received?
How do you know when I received it?
What happens if I don't get it back in that time?
Why do you take our money (especially charge cards) before the test is issued?
Group Testing
Is there a quantity discount?
How much is shipping and handling in the United States for groups?
What information do I need to send Hewitt Homeschooling Resources in order to receive PASStests for a group?
Why do you need parents' names for all students in groups?
How much time should we allow between ordering and actually receiving the PASS test as a group?
What if someone in the group doesn't get his test back to the group in a timely manner?
Testing Procedures
Must the test be given by a certified teacher?
When should I give the PASS test?
Can I give the PASS to my first- and second-grade children?
Can we give the test to a different student than the one named on the scan sheet?
What do we do about wrong information such as misspelled names on the scan sheet?
Am I supposed to keep the test booklets until the next test administration?
Is it permissible to read the test to the student?
Can the PASS be used by special-needs students?
Do the test levels represent grade levels?
Can we give part of the test one day and part the next?
How much time should I allow to administer the test?
How do I determine the level of test to give my student?
Where do I find levels on previous testing?
Will you check your records for levels on previous testing?
What do I do with the placement test? Is it the number right or the number wrong that determines the level?
What if the student got all the questions on the placement test correct?
What do I do if the placement test shows a level lower or the same as previous testing?
Should we change test levels if we find the test too frustrating or think it will be too hard?
Can we change test levels after completing a test?
What do we do for an answer sheet if we change levels?
A younger sibling cut up the scan sheet (or I spilled coffee on it, etc.). What now?
Content of the PASS Test
Who developed the questions?
How do these tests compare, in content, with other standardized tests?
Test Results
Is it permissible to show the test results to the student?
What does goal performance mean?
What do the percentile scores actually mean for my child?
I'm used to percentiles and grade equivalents. Can I get this information from the PASS report?
What does high, average, or low mean for goal performance?
What is a RIT score?
My child showed average performance in decimals, currency, and percents. The suggestion on the report is that "The child will progress satisfactorily as more advanced topics are covered." What should I do? What can I do to bring the performance up to high?
What is "numeration?" What are "other number systems?"
What are number series?
The report indicates my child needs help in computation skills. How do I know which areas need developing?
What is a goal?
How high do RIT scores go?
Quality of the PASS Test
Is this test acceptable to school districts and state authorities?
Is the PASS a standardized test?
Are there times when the test will prove to be unreliable?
What percentiles are used?
Do you have any statistical information that would show that the PASS is comparable to nationally recognized standardized tests?
What do I need to take to the superintendent to have the PASS scores approved?
General
I've heard great things about the PASS Test. Will you please tell me more about it?
The PASS Test is a non-timed, standardized test designed for students grades three through eight. It was specifically developed for home-schooling parents to administer to their students. You do not need a degree to give it. The test covers reading, mathematics, and language (which includes spelling, grammar, capitalization, punctuation, composition, and study skills on some levels).
We ship a testing package for the grade level you request. In it you'll find instructions (read through them well!), testing booklets, a placement test with answers (which is used to determine where in the testing books your student should begin and end), and an answer sheet. You are allowed one month from the date you receive the test to give it and return everything including the books to us. After we receive the testing materials back, please allow four to six week to receive your results.
The results will show your student's achievement by indicating a national percentile and also a home-school percentile. The raw score indicates how many questions your student answered correctly. A RIT score indicates your student's approximate grade level when compared to a table which shows ending-grade RIT scores. It includes general suggestions, related to how the student did on the test, to help him or her progress.
How does the PASS differ from other standardized tests?
Ordering the PASS Test
Is there a charge for the PASS? How much?
The cost for one PASS is $29.00 plus shipping and handling. The fee includes the cost of the test, scoring, and one copy of the results.
Shipping and Handling:
Is there sales tax on PASS tests?
No. The PASS test is a service and is non-taxable.
What information do I need to send Hewitt Homeschooling Resources in order to receive a PASS?
For each student you wish to test, we must have his or her name and grade level (may be approximate, the "grade" the parent considers the child to be in), the parent(s)' name(s), address, telephone number (an email address would be helpful), and the approximate date you wish the test sent. Full payment is required with each order. Orders with credit card numbers may be faxed, emailed, or phoned to us.
What is the difference between ordering PASS test, PDF PASS, and Level PASS?
When you order the "PASS Test," you will receive the complete books with all of the levels for reading, language, and math (which is divided between lower math [Grades 3–6] and upper math [Grades 6–8]). If you’ve never tested with the PASS before, this could be your preference since you can see all levels and make a more informed decision by yourself on what is best for your student. It does cost more to ship the books to you than the other versions of the PASS.
If you order "PDF PASS," it means you get the same test but will receive PDF files of only the levels you need for you to print out. The price is the same as ordering the regular PASS test, but shipping charges are only $2.00 per test. We will mail you the scan sheet and placement test. Once you know the level needed in each subject you e-mail us and we e-mail the specific levels to you. You administer the test and return the scan sheet to Hewitt for scoring You will also be required to sign a "Disposal Form" affirming that you have destroyed all other testing materials including those you have downloaded. With this version, you'll save on the initial shipping. (Not Available for Group Testing)
When you order "Levels PASS," you receive in the mail the exact levels you need rather than the whole book. This does not refer to the grade level (you always order the grade level you want your child compared with). Rather it refers to the levels in the reading, math, and language books which are not necessarily related to grade levels. If your student has tested within the last year, one grade below the grade level of test you are currently ordering, you can order this way. We will determine from our computer records which levels of math, reading, and language your student needs and send them along with the scan sheet, instructions, and "Disposal Form." The $3.00 per test shipping/handling charge is a savings. (Not Available for Group Testing)
How much time should we allow between ordering and actually receiving the PASS test?
Please allow up to two weeks for the test to arrive at your home.
Is the four weeks I'm given to administer the test from the date it was printed or from the date I received?
The four weeks are from the time you receive the materials until the date you ship it back to us.
How do you know when I received it?
We don't. We allow ten days for the materials to reach you, four weeks for you to administer the test, and another ten days for their return to us through the mail or UPS.
What happens if I don't get it back in that time?
You'll receive a card from us to remind you. Also, you won't be able to order more tests as long as you have outstanding testing materials. We can also give an extension if you have extenuating circumstances which prevented your using the test during the four weeks.
Why do you take our money (especially charge cards) before the test is issued?
Accounting and testing are two separate departments. Orders for the PASS are processed on the date they are received, regardless of the test date requested. It would be impossible to generate invoices based on test-ship dates.
Group Testing
Yes. Groups may obtain a discount on quantities sent to one address and returned together. The discount rate is as follows:
How much is shipping and handling in the United States for groups?
Shipping and Handling for the 48 contiguous U.S. States is the same as for individual tests. Contact Hewitt for quotes on group testing for overseas customers.
What information do I need to send Hewitt Homeschooling Resources in order to receive PASS tests for a group?
For each student you wish to test, we must have his or her name and grade level, the parent(s)' name(s), and address. You will also need one person clearly designated as the group leader/contact person, one check or credit card number, and the date you wish the tests sent. The group leader will be responsible for returning all answer sheets and Disposal Forms together and getting results to each family once they are received from Hewitt (the group needs to work out how the costs of this will be covered). Full payment is required with each order. Orders with credit card numbers may be faxed or emailed to us. Please do not phone in group orders.
Why do you need parents' names for all students in groups?
Students' scores are "filed" by parent(s)' name in case the family tests separately from the group at a later date.
How much time should we allow between ordering and actually receiving the PASS test as a group?
Please allow up to four weeks.
What if someone in the group doesn't get their test back to the group in a timely manner?
Return the ones you have with a note letting us know which tests are missing. For a $10.00 fee per test, parents who did not return their tests with their group can return the tests on their own and have them scored as individual tests.
Testing Procedures
Must the test be given by a certified teacher?
No. The parent or any responsible person may administer the PASS. You must recognize that states may refuse to accept a test not given by a certified teacher. Check for local requirements.
When should I give the PASS test?
Many people test in both October and April; however, we send tests any time during the year as long as six months have passed since previous testing.
Can I give the PASS to my first- and second-grade children?
No. The PASS is designed to test students in Grades 3-8. Your child must be at a beginning third-grade level and able to read and answer questions independently. We do not recommend testing before third grade.
Can we give the test to a different student than the one named on the scan sheet?
No. Call our office if the test is made out to the wrong student.
What do we do about wrong information such as misspelled names on the scan sheet?
Cross out the wrong information and write the correction in the same area on the scan sheet. Just do not write in the areas with the bubbles or the lines going down the left-hand side of it.
Am I supposed to keep the test booklets until the next test administration?
NO. All testing materials (except the scan sheet and Disposal Form ) are to be disposed of (electronic and hard copies) or returned to our office within four weeks of receipt. If you have an overseas address, you may keep the booklets, but please let us know.
Is it permissible to read the test to the student?
No. The student must be able to read the test and answer the questions independently unless they have been diagnosed as a special-needs student
Can the PASS be used by special-needs students?
Yes, but you must send a letter from a professional who has officially diagnosed the special-needs problem.
Do the test levels represent grade levels?
No. Students in a given grade may work at four or five different test levels.
Can we give part of the test one day and part the next?
Yes. Break up the test as needed. We recommend that you spread out testing over several days, completing one subject of the test on one day until all three areas are finished. Just be sure the student knows the directions and where to place the marks for that subject on the answer sheet.
How much time should I allow to administer the test?
Allow 45 minutes to an hour for each subject: Reading, Mathematics, Language. However, your student may take more time.
How do I determine the level of test to give my student?
If your student has tested previously using the PASS test, you will find the level on the tests results which were sent you. If he or she did well on that test, look at the next level to see if it is an appropriate level for the student. If this is the first time your student has used the PASS test, use the placement test to find the level to know where to begin looking for an appropriate level for your student.
Where do I find levels on previous testing?
These appear on the test results under names and addresses along with other statistics: Test ID, Date Taken, Grade, Test Level, etc.
Will you check your records for levels on previous testing?
We can. Call us if you need this information.
What do I do with the placement test? Is it the number right or the number wrong that determines the level?
Follow the instructions included in the packet. Use the number correct on the placement test to determine the recommended test level.
What if the student got all the questions on the placement test correct?
Look at the test level indicated along with those around it and decide which is appropriate for your child, that is, the one on which he or she will get approximately 30% to 50% wrong.
What do I do if the placement test shows a level lower or the same as previous testing?
If your student missed more than 30% on the last test, you may take the same or lower level.
Should we change test levels if we find the test too frustrating or think it will be too hard?
Yes and no. Generally the Placement Test does a wonderful job of locating the proper testing level. Standardized achievement tests by nature need to be considerably more difficult than students' abilities so that they don't "top-out." If your child were to get 100% on a certain level, we would know he or she understands a certain amount, but would not know how much more beyond that is known. Your son or daughter should miss anywhere between 30% to 50% of the questions if the level is truly appropriate.
Look over the questions for the level indicated by the placement test. If you feel your student will miss more than 50%, you may change to ONE level lower. If you do change levels, be certain to indicate the correct level on the answer sheet and white out incorrect responses.
Can we change test levels after completing a test?
Yes, but only after consultation with our testing department. It is better to change before you get that far.
What do we do for an answer sheet if we change levels?
White out the answers on the one you have. To ensure accurate scoring, do this thoroughly without creating a buildup of white-out. (The scanner often reads poorly-erased answers as multiple marks for those items). Check that you have written in the number of the correct level on the answer sheet. You can order a new scan sheet for $10.00.
A younger sibling cut up the scan sheet (or I spilled coffee on it, etc.). What now?
Call Hewitt at 360-835-8708.
Content of the PASS Test
The questions were written by teachers from the Northwest and were obtained from an item bank of the Northwest Evaluation Association.
How do these tests compare, in content, with other standardized tests?
The PASS is comparable to other achievement tests that are available, as the majority of questions were taken from an item bank which had been used for more than 12 years by a large northwestern city. Many states require achievement testing only for the basic skills-reading, language, and math. The PASS tests these same basic skills.
The test is shorter and yet there is a higher proportion of questions which actually are in the range to accurately test the student because of the system of using a placement test.
PASS Test Results
Is it permissible to show the test results to the student?
Yes. The purpose of the test is to aid in the learning process by indicating achievement. Both students and parents can benefit by being aware of areas needing special attention.
What does goal performance mean?
Goal performance refers to how well a student did in answering specific questions relating to one particular goal; e.g., multiplication.
What do the percentile scores actually mean for my child?
The percentile score compares your student to other students across the nation. If you took 100 students at the same grade level, at the same time of the year, and gave them the same PASS test, your child would probably score higher than some of the students and lower than others. For example, a child at the 60th percentile scored as well as or better than 60% of all the children who took the test. The national average on a percentile score is always 50.
I'm used to percentiles and grade equivalents. Can I get this information from the PASS report?
Yes. Results include percentiles for both public school students and home-schooling students. The RIT score will provide a table for determining grade equivalents.
What does high, average, or low mean for goal performance?
These terms describe your child's performance compared to the average performance of all other students of the same grade level. Questions are weighted in accordance to their importance in the mastery of a specific subject. Thus scoring high on one goal may not affect the student's achievement level on that subject as much as scoring high on another goal.
The RIT is a scale for measuring learning. Your child's RIT score indicates his or her position on that learning scale. It can be used to compare one student with another (if desired) and the same student from one year to the next, regardless of the test levels taken. It is similar to the way a child's height and weight are compared to the averages for that age.
My child showed average performance in decimals, currency, and percents. The suggestion on the report is that "The child will progress satisfactorily as more advanced topics are covered." What should I do? What can I do to bring the performance up to high?
Continue to provide varied learning opportunities. Incorporate meaningful real-life situations in practicing the skills measured by this goal. Be certain the student has mastered each goal for all previous grade levels.
What is "numeration?" What are "other number systems?"
Numeration is counting and using systems of numbering. Numeration includes understanding place values and writing numbers for words and words for numbers. Different number systems are based on different bases (base 10 or base 2, etc.) or different symbols (e.g., Roman numerals) or different sets of numbers (whole numbers, integers, rational numbers, real numbers, etc.). Questions about properties of number systems (e.g., associative property of addition, etc.) are included in tests of numeration.
Number series are groups of numbers that follow a predictable sequence or pattern. The following examples demonstrate the concept of number series: Complete these series of numbers: 2, 4, 6, 8, ___, ___, ___; 1, 3, 6, 10, 15, ___, ___.
The report indicates my child needs help in computation skills. How do I know which areas need developing?
Quiz the student on computation skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) and determine the specific areas needing improvement. The areas to be addressed will then become apparent.
A goal is group or category of related learning objectives for a subject.
For reading, 278; for mathematics, 299; for language, 281.
Quality of the PASS Test
Is this test acceptable to school districts and state authorities?
PASS is officially accepted in New York, North Carolina, and Alaska. Some school districts have accepted the PASS as being acceptable for homeschoolers. You must seek counsel from your independent school districts or authorities. Many states have no specific testing requirements.
Is the PASS a standardized test?
Yes. The construction, format, and content all follow standard procedures.
Are there times when the test will prove to be unreliable?
Yes, if the student tests at an inappropriate level, is not rested, or places marks incorrectly. Experience has shown that a raw score of 50% to 70% correct provides the most accurate measurement of the student's achievement.
Children's scores are compared with both national and home-schooling populations. This does not mean the test is "nationally normed," but that the scores are equated to those of public-school students taking one of the nationally-normed tests.
Do you have any statistical information that would show that the PASS is comparable to nationally recognized standardized tests?
Yes. We will be happy to provide you with this information.
What do I need to take to the superintendent to have the PASS scores approved?
An information packet is available from our office for this purpose.
If you didn't find an answer to your PASS test questions, email us at info@hewitthomeschooling.com or call at (800) 890-4097.