Cogent Cougar - November 2015
Academically and Intellectually Gifted Program at AMS
AMS Sixth Graders take the Cognitive Abilities Test
Why do we test all students in third and sixth grade?
Best practices in gifted education suggest that "universal screening" is the best way to ensure more equitable access for all students to be considered for gifted programs. Universal screening means that we test all students in a grade level with the same version of an assessment to determine which students need support through a program. Some gifted programs rely on teacher and parent nominations to identify gifted students, however, this type of system might miss students' whose abilities do not manifest in the most typical or obvious ways. Asheville City Schools is committed to screening all students so that we can identify students who will benefit from the AIG services provided at our schools. Students also have opportunities to take the CogAT if they transfer to an Asheville City School after third grade.
The Process
Sixth grade students, including currently identified AIG students, took the Cognitive Abilities Test on November 3, 4, and 5. Students who score at the 85th percentile or higher will go on to take the Iowa Assessments. If a student is already identified AIG, they will automatically take the Iowa Assessments. Once these scores are collected and examined, each students will be considered for the variety of AIG services offered at Asheville Middle School. A team will review the evidence and place students in appropriate services. The results will be communicated to you by U.S. mail.