The NNAT (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test) is a nonverbal test used for qualifying K-12 students for gifted and talented programs. It is a group-administered aptitude test commonly given as an entrance exam into schools’ gifted programs. The NNAT utilizes shapes and figures to evaluate the problem-solving and reasoning abilities of a child without relying on their language skills. In other words, the NNAT assesses how a student thinks instead of what a student knows. Students must score a 125 to 127 to be identified as gifted on this assessment depending on age. Sylvania Schools offers students the opportunity to take the NNAT3 assessment in February in 4th grade and in May in 2nd grade.

The i-Ready Diagnostic  is a test designed to help teachers support students and provide a path of instruction for every learner. The adaptive test adjusts its questions to each student’s needs. Each question a student sees is individualized based on their answer to the previous question. A series of correct answers will result in slightly harder questions, while a series of incorrect answers will yield slightly easier questions. This provides essential information for your child’s teacher about what your child knows and is ready to learn. Students must score in the 95% to be identified as gifted on this assessment.

All students in grades 1st to 5th will be tested using iReady three times this year. iReady only identifies students as gifted in reading or math, not science or social studies. iReady is also used as an identification in second grade and up! This means that if a 1st grader scores a 99% in math on iReady, they are not considered gifted by the state of Ohio. Testing windows for iReady are in September, December, and May.

Students who take the ACT or SAT are also able to be identified from these tests. The ACT (American College Testing) and SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) are standardized tests used to assess high school students’ readiness for college-level academic work. Students must score in the 95% to be identified as gifted on this assessment. Sylvania Schools offers students the opportunity to take the ACT in February. 

The Iowa Tests are achievement tests published by the University of Iowa and are part of the “The Iowa Testing Programs.” The two most commonly-given Iowa Tests are the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) and the Iowa Assessments. Both are achievement tests, meaning they assess a child’s knowledge of what they have learned in school and are not cognitive or IQ tests. Despite the name, many states and private schools administer Iowa Tests. Students must score in the 95% to be identified as gifted on this assessment. This assessment can be given to students who have requested additional testing.

The Woodcock Johnson IV Tests of Achievement are 22-section achievement tests, which assess both academic achievement (what children have learned in school) and cognitive development. They are sometimes paired with an intelligence test to qualify children for gifted and talented programs. Students must score a 127 to be identified as gifted on this assessment. This assessment can be given to students who have requested additional testing and is the only approved assessment for early entrance to kindergarten.