GATE Frequently Asked Questions

2. Evidence that the student took the Stanford Binet, or Wechsler Intelligence Scales Test (WISC III or IV), administered by a licensed psychologist, and the student's score was at or above 130 full scale IQ.

3. Non-standardized testing evidence from other schools/professionals may be submitted to the Special Projects Office for review for compatibility with district criteria.

When is the CogAT test administered?
1. Spring testing takes place in January/February for all Third Grade students and students who have been nominated by their parents or teachers and new students.

May parents opt to have their child skip the blanket 3rd grade testing and have their child tested in the 4th grade?
Starting February 2012, yes.

Should all third grade students take the CogAT?
No. While the CogAT report provides a wealth of information that may be helpful for the teacher and the family, some students may be better off not participating. The test is very difficult and can be frustrating and stressful for students as well as the family and possibly other students taking the test. Parents should exercise their own judgement before giving permission to test.

If my child did not qualify by taking the CogAT, can he retake the test?
Yes, however not within 23 months.

Why?
1. Research shows that over-testing kids is destructive.
2. The results would not be accurate as the test questions would be the same.
3. The district’s desire is to be equitable and fair to all students and families.

Are there any other ways that my child can be identified GATE?
Yes. Although the CogAT test provides three scores in itself: verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal, and a fourth category of composite, the district will look at other assessments and compare that testing for compatibility with the district’s criteria.

1. Students may be identified by producing evidence that the student took the Stanford Binet, or Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children; Third or Fourth Edition (WISC IV), or some other reputable intelligence test administered by a licensed psychologist, and the student's score was at or above 130 full scale IQ.

2. Other reputable non standardized cognitive testing may be accepted when the student’s score is in the 99th national percentile rank.

3. Student’s parents may request a Student Study Team (SST) when they believe their child’s needs are not being met in the regular classroom. This is limited to a small percentage of students. The Special Projects Coordinator should be included in the SST meeting.

Why is identification based on the student’s age related score rather than the grade related score?
An age related score compares test results with students who are exactly the same age in years and months. Grade related scores compare scores of students who are in the same grade, regardless of age. STAR scores are grade related while the score used by the district on the CogAT for GATE identification purposes is age related.

It is more objective and equitable to look for cognitive gifts in students by comparing them with students their same chronological age rather than with a student who could be up to two years their senior or junior.

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