Gifted and Talented Testing
Gifted Student Identification
Early identification is essential for the intellectual and emotional development of Gifted and Talented children because it enables early intervention. Gadsden Elementary School District #32 has adopted a multi-faceted approach to screening and identification of Gifted/Talented students.
Gifted Education Referrals:
- District stakeholders may request gifted testing for students currently enrolled in the district.
- A parent and/or student may request gifted testing.
- Students who score Highly Proficient on any section of the standardized achievement test (i.e., AzMERIT) may be referred for gifted testing.
Students referred for testing will be assessed with one or more of the Arizona State Board of Education approved tests. Currently, the district uses the CogAT 7 online assessment for all gifted testing. Students are assessed in the following areas: verbal, quantitative, and non-verbal. Students who score at or above the 97th percentile on any or all of the test batteries will be offered placement into the Gifted Program. Students who place between the 90th - 96th percentiles can be placed in the Talented Program and will also be offered services. Alternative assessment measures, screening measures, and other informal evaluation data may be used to augment the formal assessment process.
Gifted & Talented Testing
Gadsden Elementary School District uses the CogAT 7 online testing system to identify Gifted and Talented students throughout the district. Gifted Coordinators conduct a fall and a spring test session to identify gifted or talented students at their schools. For more information about specific testing dates, please contact your child's school.
What is CogAT?
The CogAT Test is an assessment that measures the level and pattern of cognitive development of a student compared to other students who share the same age and grade level. The test measures three different cognitive abilities, which are:
- Verbal - The verbal section of the test measures a child's ability to remember and manipulate sequences of words in English.
- Quantitative - The quantitative section measures a child's understanding of basic quantitative concepts and relationships.
- Non-Verbal - The non-verbal section measures reasoning using pictures and geometric shapes.
The CogAT uses age norms and grade norms at a national level in order to calculate individual student scores and for comparisons. Students receive a Composite Score as part of their results. The composite Score is the total score for all three batteries; Verbal, Quantitative, and Non-Verbal.
Additional Resources:
Sample Test:
This sample test will give your child an idea of the different item types they will see on the CogAT.