Kitty Slusser

Category: Uncategorized

  • 2025 Group Schedule

    The location address will be provided when you register or by request. We are not comfortable posting the specific locations online.

    I will be offering group standardized testing this year at the following dates and locations. The two tests being offered are the CAT-5 Survey and the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS).
    Both tests are approved for the UA Scholarship.  

    The ITBS has the most recent norms. It takes two days to administer and must be ordered by you through BJUP at least three weeks before the testing date.  This is the only option approved for the PEP Scholarship that I offer in 2025. Please notify me of PEP status. 

    • Order by Phone: 1-800-845-5731 
    • Provide them with my Tester ID number 1115905 (Kathryn Slusser). 
    • Order the ITBS FORM E for your child’s current grade level. 

    The CAT-5 Survey is the other test option. This is an older edition with older norms but provides adequate information for the evaluation process. I provide this test, so no other ordering is required. Results are hand-scored by me.  Grades 4- 12 can take the CAT-5 in one day. Grades 1-3 can take this test in one day, but some sites offer it over two shorter days (good readers can complete it in one day). 

    2025 Group Testing Schedule

    Note: For phones, rotate to landscape for the best view of this table.

    May 8 (Th) May 9 (F) ITBS 9am – 1:30 pm   1-12    Odessa $50 
    May 12 (Th) May 13 (F) ITBS 9am – 1:30 pm   1-12    Temple Terrace $50 
    May 19 (M) May 20 (T) CAT-5 Survey 9am – 2:00 pm   1-12*    Brandon $50 
    May 21 (W) CAT-5 Survey 9am – 2:00 pm   1-12*    Odessa $50 
    May 27 (T) CAT-5 Survey 9am – 2:00 pm 1-12* South Tampa $50 
    May 29 (Th) May 30 (F) CAT-5 Survey 9am – 2:00 pm 1-12* Temple Terrace $50 
    June 2 (M) June 3 (T) CAT-5 Survey 9am – 2:00 pm 1-12* Brandon $50 
    June 5 (Th) June 6 (F) CAT-5 Survey 9am – 2:00 pm 1-12* South Brandon $50 

  • Behavior Challenges

    Children with behavioral challenges may not do well in a group testing environment. The individual testing or evaluation options tend to be less stimulating for them.

    I have worked with many families that have children that have one or more of the following challenges that affect their behavior. The disruptive forms are more prevalent in adopted or foster children.

    • Challenged with focusing on tasks.
    • Challenged with self control (outbursts).
    • Challenged with Anxiety (in so many forms).
    • Challenged with Social Interaction
    • Suspected of being on the “Spectrum”
      • Communication Issues
      • Repetitive Behavior Issues
      • Aggression
      • Defiance
      • Interest Issues

    My husband and I have worked for several years at camp for families with Attachment Disorders. These children often have several of the challenges listed above. Here are some resources.

    The RADish Ranch – Camp Attach

    The general information about Attachement Disorders can be found on their camp website. There is an online Parenting Course and podcasts with various topics.

    Nancy Thomas

    The RADish Ranch organization grew from working with this pioneer in this field. Nancy Thomas has resources at Attachment.org that you may find interesting and helpful.

    The point is to recognize when your child may need professional help. If they had appendicitis, you could not fix it alone. Even if you are a surgeon, you would need a team to do the operation. You do not have to parent alone. There are resources if you are willing to accept help from others.

    Disclaimer

    My husband and I are not counselors at these camps. We provide meal service, program support, and spiritual guidance. We know several homeschooling families that have found help there.

  • Scholarship Programs

    Scholarship Programs

    I get a lot of questions about the scholarship programs available to Florida Residents. Here are some resources for you.

    STEP UP FOR STUDENTS WEBSITE (stepupforstudents.org)

    This website provides information on the following resources.

    • Private School (Options)
    • Unique Abilities (age 3-22 or grade 12)
    • New Worlds Scholarship Accounts (VPK and K5)
    • PEP Program (K-12)

    PEP SCHOLARSHIP (Personalized Education Program)

    There are several testing options that meet the requirements for the PEP scholarship. The only option that I can offer for 2025 is the ITBS . For the ITBS you order the test and it is mailed to me.

    Order Form: Iowa – ITBS (FORM E)

    UA SCHOLARSHIP (Scholarship for students with Unique Abilities).

    Both Group Tests , the PIAT-R Individual Test, and portfolio review all meet the UA Scholarship annual evaluation requirement.