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Testing is a formal indicator in the AIG identification process. Nominated AND referred 4th and 5th grade students take the CogAT and IOWA assessments during the seasonal windows below. All WCPSS 3rd graders take the CogAT. Third graders who score at or above the 85th percentile on the CogAT are invited to take the IOWA. *New in the 2024-25 School Year - 2nd Graders will also be taking the CogAT...
The FALL Nomination and Testing Windows for the 2024-25 School Year Are:
4th and 5th Graders Nomination Window: CLOSED - Nominations for 2025-26 school year will open in August.
Testing for REFERRED Students: October 21 - November 4, 2024 (a specific testing schedule will be sent to families October 18th)
The SPRING Nomination and Testing Windows for the 2024 -25 School Year Are:
Nomination: CLOSED
Testing for REFERRED Students: January 27 - February 7, 2025
How does the CogAT/IOWA assist in the AIG Identification Process?
Students referred for and participating in AIG testing will take an aptitude test (the CogAT) and an achievement test (the IOWA). In total, there are 5 days of testing required - the CogAT takes 3 days, approximately 30-45 minutes each day, and the IOWA takes 2 days, approximately 45 minutes each day. The CogAT evaluates the child's current abilities in verbal, quantitative, and non-verbal cognitive domains. The IOWA evaluates the child's current levels of knowledge and curriculum mastery in Reading/Language Arts and Math.
The results from these tests are known as formal indicators and must meet specific criteria for AIG identification. There are also informal indicators considered [ for example: current grades, teacher/parent observations, classroom performance, and work samples]. The School Based Committee for Gifted Education (SBCGE) will meet to discuss the results of both the formal and informal indicators.
CogAT
CogAT
The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) is administered to all third grade students in WCPSS. The CogAT benchmark testing is used for educational planning. Individual student data is accessed by the Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Program and other WCPSS educational programs.
The CogAT Batteries are:
Verbal – measure of verbal reasoning skills
Quantitative– measure of math reasoning skills
Nonverbal – measure of visual-spatial reasoning
The Verbal-Nonverbal Partial Composite (VN) combines the three Verbal subtests and the three Nonverbal subtests. This composite score is a good predictor of achievement in reading and language arts.
The Quantitative-Nonverbal Partial Composite (QN) combines the three Quantitative subtests and the three Nonverbal subtests. This composite score better predicts achievement in mathematics.
The Full Composite (VQN) indicates the overall strength of the student’s cognitive resources for learning.
Additional factors (Informal Indicators) are considered in determining AIG eligibility. These factors include student interest, motivation, classroom performance, third grade Explorers’ work samples, parent and teacher checklists, etc. The overall profile of the student is considered in the overall identification process.
IOWA
IOWA
The Iowa assessment is used as a part of the AIG identification process and is taken in 3rd -5th grade after the CogAT. The Iowa assessment is not provided for all third grade students. Individual student data is accessed by the Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Program and other WCPSS educational programs.
Third grade students with an age-based Composite or subtest battery score at or above the 85th percentile (85%) on the CogAT are eligible to take the Iowa Assessments (Iowa). Parents will receive a permission form that must be signed and returned to the school before the student can take the Iowa.
Additional factors (Informal Indicators) are considered in determining AIG eligibility. These factors include student interest, motivation, classroom performance, third grade Explorers’ work samples, parent and teacher checklists, etc. The overall profile of the student is considered in the overall identification process.
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