Understanding Testing for GT Learners

9/29/2024 11:20 am

Why read this article?

You are a parent with questions about dates and details for the GT identification process.
You are a parent trying to understand more about the different tests and how a child is assessed throughout the school year.

Frequently asked parent question:

What is the importance of the different tests my child takes in school?

There’s a lot of talk about testing right now – at all age levels. So let’s break it down so we all have the same foundational understanding. Students experience two different types of testing in public education, ability tests and achievement tests. Many times, you will hear these referred to as assessments, not tests.

Assessments in public education are a systematic process for gathering and analyzing information to improve student learning and development. Assessments can take many forms, including tests, essays, speeches, and projects.
Source: Texas Education Agency

How student assessments are different and how they are used

Ability tests like the CogAT assess the cognitive ability of a student: the student’s capacity to learn. These tests determine the way a student’s brain functions through verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning. Knowing how a student learns provides insight into his/her readiness to solve problems creatively. Parents should note, this information is a big part of the GT identification process, and in GCISD, this requires parent permission to conduct these assessments.

Achievement tests like the SAT are designed to determine what content and skills a student already knows. It is important that students have the opportunity to experience these kinds of tests without a “ceiling” to get an accurate assessment of their knowledge. Knowing what a student has mastered versus knowing the student is “not behind” is vital for each student to receive the year’s worth of academic growth he/she deserves.

In GCISD, we now have iReady as a first layer for reviewing achievement, which becomes a data point for identifying potential GT learners. It’s not the only input, though. The district still has plans to leverage other tools at the right time in the testing process.

Important 2024 Dates for GT Identification

This year, the window for referrals has changed slightly – please note the Fifth Grade referral window is Oct 14 to Nov 5, which is the same timing for all secondary students.

Get Your Testing Questions Answered Oct 23

To learn more about the plans and the timing of the GT identification process, please join the SAGE Coffee Chat we are having with Angela Harris, M.S., GT Coordinator for GCISD. You can also find the latest testing calendar on the GCISD website.