The CogAT Test: Dispelling 5 Common Myths
The Cognitive Abilities Test,
known as the CogAT, is administered to K-12 students in the United States. The
CogAT is a multiple-choice test that assesses students based upon three main
batteries: verbal, nonverbal and quantitative. While the CogAT test is commonly
used across school districts and is likely a familiar term to parents of
school-age children, there are common misconceptions about what it is and the
purpose it serves.
The CogAT measures a child’s IQ
The CogAT is not considered an IQ test. The CogAT measures a
student’s reasoning and problem solving ability. Unlike an IQ test, these
skills highlight what a child is able to achieve in the classroom, and thus can
be learned and improved over time.
The only purpose of the CogAT is to identify gifted students
The results of the CogAT can serve several functions. In addition to identifying gifted and talented students, these assessments can be used to inform and develop instructional practices in the classroom. CogAT scores assist schools in allowing for teachers to adapt to student learning styles and place students based on their abilities.
Students do not need to prep for the test
Many schools use a student’s CogAT scores to determine placement into gifted and talented programs. Preparation is helpful to familiarize students with the content and format of the CogAT. Ensuring that a child knows what to expect heightens their confidence and increases the chance of them being recognized as a gifted or talent student.
The CogAT scores students based on where they fall in terms of age and grade norms. Age and grade norms may be similar, but using both provides accuracy in students who are young or old for their grade level. The CogAT is calculated based on a number of steps. First, a raw score is calculated based on the total number of correct answers. The raw score is then converted into a Universal Scale Scores (USS) for each of the three batteries. Lastly, the USS is used to calculate a Standard Age Score, percentile rank, and stanine score to produce a score profile.
The CogAT test is standard across all schools, ages, and grade levels
Depending on the school, the CogAT may administer all three batteries together, or they may be administered separately. In some cases, schools may only administer specific batteries. Students may take the CogAT on paper or on a computer. There are ten different CogAT levels, with the level number corresponding to the age level. Typically, an 8-year-old student is administered the level 8 CogAT in second grade, but there may be exceptions. The level and format of the CogAT a child will be taking should be considered in helping a child prepare for the test.CogAT test prep, including a CogAT practice test and sample questions, can be accessed online at eTutorWorld https://www.etutorworld.com/test-prep/cogat-test.html
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