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Frequently
Asked Questions about KSD Gifted Program
Contents:
Why
test?
What test is used?
What is the test like?
How is the test scored?
If my
child qualified in a previous district, does he/she automatically qualify
in Kyrene?
When is the next testing period?
How do I request testing for my child?
Do qualified students have to retake the test each year?
How do I find out my child's scores?
What if I have a question about the test or my child's
scores?
Can you test too much?
What if I would like a second assessment?
Can you recommend a psychologist?
If my child qualifies for services, when will they begin?
How can I prepare my child for the test?
What if my child does not qualify for gifted services?
What do I tell my child?
Do
high scores on this test predict future success in school?
How is the gifted curriculum different from the regular
classroom?
Why
test?
You
should test to answer a question. Tests can provide detailed information about
a child’s learning needs. They help with educational planning as well as gifted
identification for program participation. Tests can also offer information
for early intervention of learning issues. You should test when you need an
answer to a particular question.
top
What test does the Kyrene School District use?
The Kyrene
Elementary School District uses the
Cognitive
Abilities Test to identify students who qualify for gifted
services. The scores must be at or above the 97th percentile in
the area of verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and/or nonverbal reasoning
to qualify for services. Other tests from the
Arizona
State List of Tests may also be used. For more information,
please see the Gifted Testing page.
top
What is the test like?
The
Cognitive
Abilities Test
for
students in K-2 is an untimed, multiple choice test that is hand-scored. The
students make their answer selections in the test booklet. There are three
sections, one each for verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal. Beginning at the
third grade level, the CogAT is a timed, multiple choice test with
an electronically or hand-scored answer
sheet on which students select their choices. For more information, please
see the Gifted Testing page.
top
How is the test scored?
Scores are reported
out using National Percentile (NP) for verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning
and/or nonverbal reasoning. Please remember that a percentile rank is not
the same as the percent correct. Percentile ranks provide a comparison of
the student’s performance to that of a national sample of students of the
same age. Percentile ranks are used to rank students on a scale of 1 to 99.
If a student has a percentile of 71, this means the student scored higher
than 70 of every 100 students that took the same test.
It is important
to remember that the
Cognitive
Abilities Test
measures a student’s
reasoning ability and is not indicative of student achievement. Scores
in the 25th percentile to 75th percentile range are considered average scores.
If the student scores below the 97th percentile, the regular curriculum is
appropriate. If the student scores at or above the 97th percentile, state
law requires that special services be provided.
top
If my child qualified in a previous district, does he/she automatically qualify
in Kyrene?
Not necessarily. Students transferring from other school districts
must meet the same criteria required by currently enrolled Kyrene students.
Obtain from the school office on your campus the form titled “Release of Confidential
Information.” Mail it to the former school district, and they will send the
records directly to our district. Gifted records are not sent with your child’s
regular file. Hand carried official copies are also acceptable. If the data
completes the requirement for Kyrene’s program, the student will be eligible.
Often additional testing becomes necessary.
top
When is the next testing period? (Child
Find)
Testing
is offered at least three times per year. During each school year, testing
is done in the fall, winter, and spring. Students that have previously taken
the Cognitive Abilities Test must wait one calendar year before testing
is available again. Contact your individual school Gifted
Resource Specialist for more information regarding testing
dates.
top
How do I request testing for my child? (Child
Find)
Teachers or parents
make referrals for students in grades 3-8. Contact your child’s school. For
grades K-2, the classroom teacher will generally make referrals. Classroom
teachers for K-2 students will be allowed time to familiarize themselves with
the student’s academic ability and work habits. If a parent requests
testing for a K-2 student it is suggested that a Child Study Team consisting
of parent, regular education teacher, gifted teacher, and administrator meet
to discuss the academic and behavioral characteristics of the student.
top
Do qualified students have to retake the test each year?
Students
who are already qualified for services and doing well do not need to re-qualify
each year.
top
How do I find out my child’s scores?
The test
results will be mailed directly to you usually within thirty days. Your child’s
school site will identify the specific time table at the onset of each test
cycle. If you do not receive the scores, please contact your school.
top
What if I have a question about the test or the test scores?
Please
contact the Gifted
Resource Specialist at your child’s school.
top
Can you test too much?
Of course.
While it is acceptable to give an individual IQ test after initial testing
is done with a screening measure or group ability test, there is rarely a
need for multiple individual IQ tests. Sometimes retesting may be done around
age 8 or 9 if the child was first tested at a very young age. Taking the same
test (IQ, ability, or achievement) within 12 months is not recommended, and,
in many cases, is unethical. Achievement tests might be used more often (though
no more than annually), to determine academic placement in educational planning.
At younger ages (grades K-2), individual achievement tests may be used. As
the child approaches upper elementary grades, Curriculum Based Assessments
(such as AIMS and nationally normed achievement tests) may be better for determining
the child’s placement within the program’s curriculum. Testing the gifted
child, like any other psycho-educational decision, is complex. Often children
reflect parental attitudes towards testing. Viewing testing as a high stakes
situation could affect the child’s attitude and
performance. Consider why you are testing, what tests are necessary,
and what answers you are looking for from the testing so that an informed
decision can be made.
top
What if I would like a second assessment?
There are
some options:
1. Wait twelve months and have your child retested on the Cognitive Abilities Test at your child’s school.
2. Contact a member of the Child Study Team at your child’s school for options available based on your child’s educational profile.
3. Although
the Child Study Team does not recommend the necessity of this option, you
might personally choose
to take your child to a licensed psychologist at any time for evaluation with
one of the tests approved by the State of Arizona
on the Arizona
State List of Tests for identification of giftedness. If the
scores are at or above the 97th percentile, bring official copies
of them into the school office. Scores from the same test taken within
the previous 12 months will not be accepted. You are responsible for
paying any outside testing fees.
top
Can you recommend a psychologist?
This
is a referral that should could from a physician or non-school related personnel.
School employees are not permitted to recommend a psychologist.
top
If my child qualifies for services, when will services begin?
First, you
will receive a letter with your child’s scores and notification to the next
contact by your child’s Gifted
Resource Specialist. Services will begin after the Child Study
Team (CST) has determined the service start date and you have been given the
CST’s programming recommendations. You will be able to decline services if
you so desire.
top
What if my child does not qualify?
Not every
student who is referred for testing will qualify for gifted services. In some
instances additional testing may be recommended. Kyrene makes every effort
to meet each child’s needs. Please be assured that every effort will be made
to insure your child’s program is matched to his/her abilities.
top
What do I tell my child?
As far as
scores, sharing the specific scores are probably not in your child’s best
interest. There have been times when parents, meaning to be kind, tell their
child they “just missed it by one” or “just missed it by a little.” These
generalizations, while meant to reassure, can also cause frustration in the
child. Always congratulate him/her on his/her effort. Remind your child of
the strengths and talents he/she has and how proud we all are of your child.
Focus on things that can be celebrated, and help your child with a new goal
to create a plan for developing strengths and weaknesses. If your child qualifies,
refrain from details about service until you have conferenced with the Gifted
Resource Specialist at your child’s school.
top
Do high scores on this test predict future success in school?
It
is interesting to note that simply having high scores on this test is not
necessarily a singularly reliable predictor of future academic success. There
are many variables that can affect the relationship between a child’s ability
and actual performance. Achievement scores, such as those on the Terra
Nova, AIMS, or Kyrene CASS and MSS tend to
be better predictors because they identify how well the child is actually
using his/her potential. In order to achieve academic success, a child should
use effective learning strategies, demonstrate perseverance, and develop a
positive attitude toward learning. Research studies have shown that parents
are excellent identifiers of “giftedness.” It is important that you trust
your own instincts and be your child’s best advocate in evaluating your child’s
potential talents. Regardless of the scores or whether or not your child qualifies
for gifted services, continue to support your child in identifying and exploring
high interest areas. Often these are not even academic areas. Help them develop
a positive attitude towards learning, learn self discipline and good work
habits, and nurture strong realistic beliefs in his/her own unique human potential.
Many students who are successful in high school and college did not qualify
for gifted services in the elementary years. Some students who did qualify
for gifted services in elementary school are not as successful in high school
or college. The results of any intelligence or ability test are always a snapshot
of the child at the time of the test. Current brain research indicates that
intelligence is not a fixed measurable phenomenon, but instead, multifaceted
and changeable. Please keep this in mind as you support your child’s interests
and talents.
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How is the Gifted curriculum different from the regular classroom?
The
Kyrene Gifted Resource Program uses the same quality curricular standards
as the regular classrooms. However, the differentiated curriculum
is varied in content, process, and product as well as is the learning environment.
You can read more about
differentiation
for gifted learners here.
top
Program and Services | Gifted Solutions Team | Gifted Program Site Map |Gifted Home Page