Each year, students in second grade take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAt) as a universal screener at the beginning of the school year (usually in October). CogAt scores are used in combination with Gifted Rating Scales Scores and Achievement Scores (MAP/IOWA/iReady) to determine eligibility for gifted services. Students can also identify as gifted through the portfolio process. There are quite a few different pathways and multiple opportunities to identify as gifted.
CogAt scores are considered "active" for two years, but students can be retested in fourth and fifth grade if the school based AIG Committee deems it appropriate based on current student data.
Students can identify as gifted in both reading and math, or in just one subject (reading or math). If you would like to learn more about the identification process, or the gifted label descriptors, please click the appropriate link below.
Note: CMS has reciprocity with others states, so if a child is identified as gifted in a different state (Ex: Florida), we will honor that identification label. However, CMS does not accept private testing results.