FAQs

Q: My child was not identified for GT services, but needs enrichment. How will you address his/her/their learning needs?

A: GT teachers can work with classroom teachers to help locate and/or create enrichment activities and opportunities for the student as needed. Also, each school offers a multitude of enrichment opportunities. Check out your school's Clubs & Activities page under the Students heading.

Q: How can I access my child’s CogAT scores?

A: The results of the fifth grade CogAT are mailed to parents in with an explanation of these results. Second grade CogAT scores are available upon request. If you are a parent or guardian of a second grade students, and would like to see your child's results, please contact a member of the GT staff.

Q: How do I interpret the CogAT scores?

A: The CogAT results letter prepared by the publisher contains explanatory notes about the test scores. The CogAT is a test of reasoning skills, an aptitude test that measures a student’s general and specific cognitive abilities. This test measures learned reasoning and problem-solving skills in three areas: verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal, which are closely tied to academic success. The GT teacher can discuss the scores with you further.

Q: Who can nominate a student for GT services?

A: While students are usually nominated by their classroom teachers, they can also be nominated by parents, peers, or even themselves!

Q: I know students take a test to get into GT...can they also test OUT of GT?

A: The CogAT is only part of the criteria for identification. We consider many other pieces of data (see Identification tab). While some districts do dismiss students from GT services based on test scores, we do not. Families may choose for their child to "opt out" of or exit GT services . We just ask for an exit interview so we can discuss the student's circumstances (see Exit & Appeals tab).

Q: Are students identified in a specific content area (subject) or all areas?

A: In MSAD 51, we identify students in specific content areas (Specific Academic Aptitude) rather than in all areas (General Intellectual Ability). That said, many of our GT students are identified in more than one content area. We use a variety of data to determine in which area(s) students require extensive differentiation through our services.

This page will be continuously updated with new FAQs & responses as they arise.