GATE ASSESSMENT

Cognitive Abilities Test Screener (CogAT)

Approximately 12,000 students are tested for GATE eligibility each year using the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). All second-grade students are universally screened. Students, new to the district in the third, fourth, and fifth grades are also tested.   For exact dates, please see your school's calendar or ask your school's administration. 

In addition, fifth-grade students who meet the retest criteria of a CogAt score above the 85%ile and Above Standard overall score for both English Language Arts and Math on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) assessment in third and fourth grade, will be re-administered the CogAT.

The multi-factor GATE eligibility matrix includes multiple data sources including test scores and grades. The matrix is weighted with each criterion and includes various factors related to economic challenges, transiency, special education and 504 services, and multi-lingual learners.

The CogAT is a psychometrically sound, norm-referenced cognitive computer-based assessment instrument. The CogAT provides 3 subtests that measure non-verbal abilities, quantitative abilities, and verbal abilities. This test provides a comprehensive assessment while maintaining the ability to test diverse learners through non-verbal abilities.

On-going examination of alignment with the Smarter Balanced Assessments and Common Core standards will be in effect.

CogAT Scores

MULTI-CRITERION MATRIX 

The identification determination components for GATE are as follows: 


CogAt Screener Score:


Achievement:


Factors:



Scores:


GATE identified . . . now what?

1 - Discuss as a family what you want out of a school experience and what are the positives and negatives of staying in current class vs moving to a GATE class?



3 - Submit Intent to Enroll Form <Intent to Enroll Instructions> if the home school does not offer seminar classes.


Policy Regarding Number of Tests per Student

Per Board meeting on June 23, 2015

 

“BACKGROUND: Plan for Identifying Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Students  Annually, about 12,000 district students are tested for GATE eligibility.  Students in Grade 2 are universally tested and the identification process consists of five steps:  search, assessment, documentation, review and identification/placement.  In addition, students who were tested and found ineligible for GATE services, but scored at the 85 percentile or above (with two or more advanced SBAC scores) can be re-tested once.  With regard to "new-to-district" students, current practice is to test transfer students in Grades 3, 4, and 5 only.”