Question 1

Why are you using & offering Edmentum Exact Path for diagnostic assessments and Florida’s PEP Scholarship testing?

Accepted Answer

As a fellow home educator, I tried several of the approved tests and chose Exact Path for my own family, so I am happy to be able to make it available to others as well.

It checks all the boxes: 
☑️  low-stress
☑️  untimed
☑️  breaks encouraged
☑️  no outside monitor needed 
☑️  no appointment needed

Plus, it provides very detailed info about levels, identifies learning gaps that should be addressed, and gives an optional online learning path that is tailored to meet individual needs - with no prep required from parents!  🙌

Question 2

Is ExactPath approved by the FLDOE for the PEP scholarship annual norm referenced test testing requirement?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  It is on the list of approved assessments.    https://www.fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/k-12-scholarship-programs/ftc/annual-assessment-requirement.stml

End-of-year assessments for PEP must be "norm-referenced," which means your child(ren) will be compared with their peers across the nation, but it's more important for you as a home educator to use the results as a diagnostic tool to better tailor instruction and as measurement of individual growth according to your child's own abilities.

Question 3

Can my child take the test at home?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!  Make sure your child takes it when and where they are most comfortable.

Question 4

Does the test require a proctor or monitor?

Accepted Answer

No external proctor or monitor is required.  Detailed instructions will be sent so that parents can proctor the test themselves.

Question 5

Is the test stressful?

Accepted Answer

I chose this test precisely because I think it is the lowest stress way to meet the testing requirement for the PEP scholarship and get useful information and resources for meeting learners' specific needs.

One of the best things about homeschooling is that we don’t have to be so stressed about testing, but it is a skill most will have to use at some point in their academic/professional careers, so this is the perfect way to build those skills and gain confidence with test taking.

For younger learners, I recommend not even using the word “test” and just saying it’s a "program" to help you find out what they know already and what you still need to teach them.

Question 6

What if my child requires accommodations?

Accepted Answer

The most common testing accommodations are automatic for everybody: extended time (no time limit) and breaks.  Young learners will have an audio reader tool.   If your child needs other accommodations, please indicate in your registration form and reach out via text.

Question 7

Can my child take breaks during the test?

Accepted Answer

Please do!  I recommend at least every 15 minutes, depending on age and attention span.

Question 8

How long does the test take?  Is it timed?

Accepted Answer

The test is untimed.   There are three sections (Reading, Language Arts, and Math).  Each section is approximately 15-25 min for KG-1 and 35-50 min for Grades 2-12.

Question 9

Does my child have to do the test in one sitting?

Accepted Answer

This is not advised.  Some have done it this way when they are in a time crunch, but it is best to spread it out among 2-3 days.

Question 10

What if my child gets frustrated during the test?

Accepted Answer

Exact Path is an adaptive assessment, which means that it responds to learners' answers to pinpoint levels.

It is important to make sure your child knows before starting that there WILL be questions about things they don’t know.  It is that way for EVERYONE because it is trying to find out exactly what they’ve already learned and what you want to focus on moving forward.

Everyone will get about half the questions wrong.  When questions get harder, it means they are probably doing very well!   So encourage them that it is NORMAL and is actually a good sign... just take a guess and move on.

If your child gets frustrated, let them take a break and remind them that this is not a pass/fail test. They just have to take their time and do their best so that you can find out what they need to be taught.

Please remind yourself of these things as well, as often parents/guardians/teachers feel stressed about the testing and that can be contagious!  😉

Question 11

What if I have a question or a technical issue?

Accepted Answer

You can email, or text me if it’s urgent.  I'm not always able to respond instantly, but generally do so pretty quickly, as I prioritize being as available as possible during testing season.

You can always save and exit to return where you left off if there is something that needs attention & you need to wait on a response.  Remember, the test is untimed... so no pressure!

Question 12

How soon will I get results after my child completes the test?

Accepted Answer

Sign out and sign back in.  You should see the results right away if you click on the reports tab in the upper right corner!  If you don't see it after an hour or so, try clearing cache/refreshing, and then message me if needed.

Question 13

What should I do with the results?

Accepted Answer

Make sure to click on each of the four tabs: Overview, Mathematics, Language Arts, Reading.  Then scroll down and click on “Expand All” to see the domain/skill level breakdown of the questions.  Save all pages as pdfs for your records.

See your introductory email for attachments that give more information about results, and reach out if you have further questions or would like a Grade Level Proficiency Report.

Question 14

What do I submit to Step Up For Students?

Accepted Answer

Step Up For Students requires test results to be uploaded on their site by May 31, 2026 if you received a PEP scholarship for 2025-26.  The Overview/Summary page should be fine.

https://www.stepupforstudents.org/scholarships/personalized-education-program/

Question 15

Will I be penalized or lose my scholarship if my child is not on grade level?

Accepted Answer

No!  At this time, the only requirement is that you have your child take one of the FLDOE approved norm-referenced assessments and submit results each year.

Please note that scholarship requirements are always subject to change with legislative decisions, so it’s important to stay connected with Step Up For Students for updates.

I also recommend following the Home Education Foundation https://www.flhef.org/, as they are long-time advocates for Home Education and provide weekly updates about changes and advocacy.

Question 16

Should I have my child take this test if they are not a PEP recipient?

Accepted Answer

It is certainly allowed and could be very helpful, but is not required for Unique Abilities Scholarship students and regular homeschool students registered under the county.

Please reach out via email or text to find out more about the options for annual home education evaluations, as I am a certified teacher and am happy to do those as well.

https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=1000-1099/1002/Sections/1002.41.html

Question 17

What subjects are covered in the exact path diagnostic and learning path?

Accepted Answer

Math, Reading, and Language Arts.

Question 18

I'm used to testing being done in a classroom with paper & pencil.  How does this compare?

Accepted Answer

There are many different types of assessments.  The FLDOE list does have some paper based assessments if you feel that is better for your child.

Please note that even college entrance exams (SAT, ACT & CLT) are done via computer-based testing now (ACT currently still offers a paper based option as well), so taking the Exact Path assessment is a good way build confidence and skills with this type of testing that is increasingly common and expected.

Question 19

Why should I purchase my test through you?

Accepted Answer

When you purchase through me you will be supporting another currently homeschooling family in Florida, and I try to provide a more personal touch than the big companies.  I am also available to help with other services and products in your homeschooling journey, as I am a FL certified Professional School Counselor and Teacher with experience in the schools, non-profits, and homeschool world.

Question 20

How do I pay for the test, learning path, and or courseware?

Accepted Answer

The best way is through Step Up For Students EMA direct pay if you have a scholarship.  I also provide invoices to pay manually online upon request, but this incurs an extra 5% processing fee.

You will find instructions with the steps to register (and even screenshots) at the bottom of the Testing & Learning Path page and at the end of your registration form.

754-702-PICS

Frequently asked questions