Note:  CLICK HERE for information on JPS GIfted Services and Testing

What does CogAT measure?

CogAT measures learned reasoning and problem-solving skills in three different areas: verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal. Reasoning skills develop gradually throughout a person’s lifetime and at different rates for different individuals. Reasoning abilities are good predictors of success in school and are important outcomes of good schooling. CogAT does not measure such factors as effort, attention, motivation, and work habits, which also contribute importantly to school achievement.

 How do the three batteries of CogAT differ?

1. The Verbal Battery measures flexibility, fluency, and adaptability in reasoning with verbal materials and in solving verbal problems. These reasoning abilities play an important role in reading comprehension, critical thinking, writing, and virtually all verbal learning tasks.

2. The Quantitative Battery measures quantitative reasoning skills; flexibility and fluency in working with quantitative symbols and concepts; and the ability to organize, structure, and give meaning to an unordered set of numerals and mathematical symbols. These reasoning skills are significantly related to problem solving in mathematics and other disciplines.

3. The Nonverbal Battery measures reasoning using geometric shapes and figures. To perform successfully, students must invent strategies for solving novel problems. They must be flexible in using these strategies and accurate in implementing them. How often can my child take the CogAT? Students may take the CogAT one time per calendar year. For example, if a student takes the test in September, he/she cannot take it again when it's offered in the spring...but would have to wait until the following September.

 What if I miss a deadline for paperwork?

Unfortunately, dates are very firm. The district must adhere to strict guidelines for all testing. Please check our calendar often and call or email us with any questions. How will I receive my child's CogAT scores? The scores will be mailed to your home.

 What are the requirements to quality a child for Gifted Services in JPS?

Students must score a 97% or higher in the Age Percentile Rank (APR) on the CogAT to be automatically qualified. Students scoring close to 97% can sometimes be "matrixed" into the program. Checklists are filled out by parents and the child's current teacher and any available achievement test scores are also included. Students must have a certain number of "points" using these factors (CoGat score, checklists, achievement test scores) to qualify on a matrix.

 How are Identified Gifted Students served at Southeast?

Service options at our campus are coordinated to guide the development of our gifted students and to prepare them for the next segment of gifted services at the intermediate level.Gifted child educational service is ongoing and a part of the regular school schedule. Classroom teachers provide "Appropriate Flexible Pacing" (as outlined in the Gifted Educational Plan for the district) which includes individualization of instruction, differentiated or enriched classes, independent study, cluster grouping, curriculum compacting, and technology opportunities. All of these opportunities are detailed further in our Site Plan, which is available in the Gifted Services office, room 103. Classroom teachers also collaborate with the gifted specialists who then provide additional opportunities in a smaller setting. The "lab" teacher’s time spent with students varies depending upon the project or unit being covered.