Do homeschoolers need assessments? That is a tricky question. Laws vary from state to state as for what is required when it comes to end of the year testing but what about the day in and day out regiments of homeschooling? When I first began homeschooling I had to shed the public school mindsets that were so deeply engrained into my ways of thinking. Tests on Fridays. New topic presented on Mondays. No questions asked. I was sure to order test booklets for every subject and some included quizzes. At first this seem to work well. My first son was doing amazing with his science, math, and spelling tests without a problem. He was motivated and determined. The problem began when I realized that all we were doing was studying for tests—not life. Sure, he could remember random facts and statements but he was unable to figure out how to use this knowledge in practical ways. Slowly over the years I realized how tests are not needed in every single subject. Now that my oldest is graduating in a...