November CogAT Testing
Dear Parents/Guardians,
DCSD is committed to implementing equitable practices to increase access to advanced/gifted learning opportunities. Based on state and national recommendations and requirements, we implement Universal Screening for students in 2nd grade (February) and 5th or 6th grade--a student's final year of elementary school (November).
5th/6th Grade Universal Screen
As part of this process, ALL students in grades fifth and sixth and not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) in November (dates TBD.) This assessment indicates the level and pattern of cognitive development of a student in comparison to grade and age mates. These general reasoning abilities, which start developing at birth and continue through early adulthood, are influenced by experiences gained both in and out of school.
If your child is already identified for gifted programming, they will not participate in this universal screen testing. Your Gifted Education Facilitator will contact you directly with information about this process.
Gifted Identification Referral Testing
If your child is in grades 3 or 4 and you believe they need evaluation for Gifted Identification and Services, you may refer your child for testing by initiating the Gifted Identification Process.
NOTE: Requesting this assessment automatically initiates the process to evaluate for Gifted Identification.
Upon receipt of this form the Gifted Education Facilitator will connect with you to discuss next steps in the gifted identification process.
November (exact dates TBD) - All 5th and 6th Grade Students, 3rd/4th Grade Referrals, and Discovery applicants
Feb. (exact dates TBD) - All 2nd Grade Students, K/1 Referrals
What can my child expect on the CogAT Test?
This test is not like a spelling or math test where if you know all of the words or facts you can make a 100%. Instead, it is a norm referenced test and the national average is the 50% percentile. There is no defined curriculum for the CogAT and it is not the type of test that one studies for. This test can help identify relative strengths and provide information to parents and teachers for instructional purposes. Parents and teachers will receive an Ability Profile which provides insight into the way that the student learns best. In Douglas County, the CogAT is also used to aid in the identification process for gifted and talented programming.
There are three parts to the CogAT: Verbal, Quantitative and Non-Verbal.
Verbal: Measures a child’s ability to remember and transform sequences of English words, to understand them and to make inferences and judgments about them.
Quantitative: Measures the child’s understanding of basic quantitative concepts and relationships that are essential for learning mathematics.
Non-Verbal: Measures reasoning using pictures and geometric shapes. This reduces the impact of language on the student’s score.
Testing will take place over three days with students testing for approximately an hour to an hour and a half each day depending on the grade level. This is a rigorous test, so we will take brain breaks between sessions. You can expect that your child will miss at least an hour of classroom instruction on each day of testing.
Is the CogAT the "Gifted Test" for smart kids?
No! The CogAT is a cognitive abilities test that can provide a wealth of information about a child's learning strengths, weaknesses and preferences. Students from all backgrounds, academic demographics and geographic areas take the CogAT each year. The test has a variety of uses and provides teachers with another way to get to know their students as learners.
In Douglas County, there is not one test that deems a child "gifted." We gather a body of evidence which can include student work samples, parent and teacher observation forms, classroom testing data, student interest surveys, state testing data (if applicable), and cognitive or aptitude testing data. The CogAT is the main cognitive testing data that we administer, but even if a child's CogAT scores are high, we must have other pieces of evidence that support the need for gifted programming.
My child has a recent IQ score from outside testing. Should (s)he take the CogAT?
Probably not. An individually administered IQ test, such as the WISC-IV or WISPI, are as valid, if not more valid, than a CogAT score. If your child has scores from an IQ test given in the last two years, the CogAT is not necessary.
My child took the CogAT last year. Should (s)he take the CogAT again? Will the score change?
It is not recommended that a child take CogAT in consecutive years as the score is unlikely to change from one year to the next. The one exception is when there is a change in test format. The first and second grade tests are text free and the directions and items are read aloud to the students. Beginning in third grade, the test is a more traditional test where students self-pace and are expected to read the test questions themselves. In some cases, we see a marked difference between a first or second grade score and a third grade score due to these changes in testing conditions.
If your child tested last year and you wish to have him or her test again, please contact Mara Howell via email to discuss this as these decisions are made on a case by case basis.
Still have questions about the CogAT?
If you have any questions regarding CogAT testing and whether it is the right test for your child, please feel free to contact Mara Howell via email at mhowell@dcsdk12.org
Consent to Test Form and Gifted Education Referral Online Form
Gifted Education Referral Form is required. By requesting that your child take the CogAT, you are formally initiating the GT identification process.
If you have any questions please contact mhowell@dcsdk12.org