GT Center Screening, Testing, and Identification
What is the difference between the group and individual tests?
Group testing tends to be more affordable than individual testing, while individual testing tends to be more in-depth.
There is usually no need to take both group and individual tests. Many parents rely initially upon group testing and then schedule individual testing only if there is a need to appeal the FCPS placement decision.
Which test(s) does my child need to take?
County school students: All second grade children take two group ability tests administered by FCPS
Students who enroll in FCPS in grades 3-7 may take the Cognitive Abilities Test during the fall testing window at the parents’ request.
Private school students: Parent/guardians of students not enrolled in and attending FCPS are responsible for obtaining test results. Group ability test results will only be accepted from George Mason University (GMU), FCPS, and/or other school districts. Individual intelligence tests administered by private psychologists will be accepted if conducted by a state licensed psychologist and a copy of the license accompanies the report.
What ability tests are accepted for GT center screening?
List of Approved Ability Tests:
Tests listed above are usually acceptable, but your most important source of information is the staff at the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), and you may ask your school’s gifted specialist, counselor, classroom teacher or principal for guidance.
How often can I have my child tested?
For group testing you may have your child tested no more than once every six months, unless there are compelling and documented reasons to question the accuracy or validity of a prior test score. For individual testing, your child may not take the same test more than once a year.
What is the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)?
The Cognitive Abilities Test is a group ability test that measures general intellectual ability. The verbal and quantitative batteries require the student to use verbal and mathematical concepts and reasoning skills that are acquired from experiences both in and out of school. The Nonverbal Battery uses geometric shapes and figures that have little direct relationship to formal school instruction.
What is the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test?
The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) is a group ability test that does not require English language skills and knowledge that is taught in school. This test allows students to demonstrate their ability to think and reason by figuring out problems that are presented through a complex series of geometric shapes and designs. This allows students to demonstrate advanced levels of reasoning without word knowledge, mathematics, or reading skills. The content of the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test is completely nonverbal.
What are the similarities and differences between the two tests?
Both tests use a multiple choice format. The CogAT is timed and has three sections which yield three sub scores, one for each section. The NNAT is also timed and has one section and one score. The highest possible score for each sub test of the CogAT and the NNAT is 150. The average score for each test is 100.
Both the CogAT and the NNAT are nationally norm-referenced group ability tests administered as part of the FCPS testing program. The tests are given according to a child's grade level and the score is based on his/her age. In Fairfax County Public Schools, the tests are administered by classroom teachers, usually in multiple settings. Occasionally, other staff, such as the counselor, administrator, or testing coordinator may administer the tests.
What do the different terms that are found on the score report mean?
Percentile Rank: This shows the relative standing of a student in comparison with other students of the same age or grade. For example, 95% means that a student scored higher than 95% of other students in the same age or grade taking the test during the same time of year (fall, winter, or spring).
Stanine: This indicates the student's relative standing in the national norm group and ranges from 1 - 9 with a mean of 5.
Standard Age Scores (SAS) on the CogAT and Nonverbal Ability Index (NAI) on the NNAT.
These scores may be interpreted in terms of how many standard deviation units the score is above or below the mean for the age group. An SAS or NAI of 100 is zero deviations from the mean. The three digit SAS score for the CogAT and the three digit NAI score on the NNAT are used to select a second grade pool of candidates for the GT center program. They are also reviewed as one of the criteria that must be submitted in a screening file.
Can students be re-tested?
Parent/guardians of students enrolled in and attending FCPS may request one re-test in grades three through seven. This test may be administered during the fall testing cycle. Additional testing may be obtained from George Mason University Psychological Clinic (all tests) or a licensed Clinical Psychologist (WISC 1V, SB 5). Students must wait at least 6 months before retaking any group ability test or individual intelligence test. Some require a 12-month gap. Students may take a different approved group test or individual intelligence test administered by a state licensed psychologist within a 6 month period.
How is the second grade pool of candidates for the GT center program determined?
The second grade pool is determined through a review of the second grade CogAT and NNAT test results. Each year the benchmark score varies slightly. Second grade students not in the screening pool and third through seventh graders may be screened by referral. Administrators, teachers, or parent/guardians may submit a referral.
Why are the cutoffs for the 2nd grade pool different each year?
The make-up of the 2nd grade pool is determined by student performance on the two tests. It is difficult to predict how the students will do from year to year and, therefore, the benchmark or cutoff scores vary accordingly. This score is usually in the 130’s.
If my child is not in the 2nd grade pool, can he/she still be considered for center placement?
The second grade pool is a starting point. It is a means to identify a group of second grade candidates for the GT center program. It does not have a limiting effect because any parent/guardian, teacher, and/or administrator may refer a child and many do. Students who are referred receive the same consideration as students who are in the pool. All files are screened at the same time by the Central Selection Committees that meet in March/April.
How important are the test scores in determining eligibility for GT center placement?
Test scores are just one important piece of data considered when a file is reviewed for GT center placement. The GT Center Central Selection Committee, made up of FCPS teachers, specialists, and administrators, considers multiple criteria, including ability and achievement test scores, the Gifted Behaviors Rating Scale (GBRS), student progress reports, and other optional information.
How do teachers contribute to the screening process?
Teachers may refer students for GT services by completing and submitting the Gifted and Talented Center Referral Form. In addition, classroom teachers are members of the Local Screening Committee. The Local Screening Committee reviews student work samples, anecdotal evidence of students' academic potential, and teacher input in order to complete the Gifted Behaviors Rating Scale with Commentary (GBRSw/C).
To complete the GBRSw/C, students are rated in four areas: exceptional ability to learn, exceptional application of knowledge, exceptional creative/productive thinking, and exceptional motivation to succeed. In the commentary portion of the GBRSw/C, teachers and educational specialists provide relevant anecdotal information that supports the rating scale.
How do parents contribute to the screening process?
Parents may refer students for GT services by completing and submitting the Gifted and Talented Referral Form. In addition, parents can submit optional information to the school. This optional information could include a Parent/Guardian Questionnaire, a maximum of five single-sided 8 1/2" x 11" pages of student work and a maximum of five single-sided 8 1/2" x 11" pages of certificates, awards, honors accomplishments, letters of commendations, report of previous participation in GT programs and academic extracurricular activities.
When is notification of eligibility sent to parent/guardians?
For spring screening, notification of eligibility is mailed in May. For fall screening, eligibility notification is mailed in January.
How are students assigned to GT Centers?
GT center assignments are based on the student's address. The eligibility letter indicates the appropriate GT Center. Transportation information is usually mailed in August.
What are procedures for appealing an ineligibility decision?
Parent/guardians of students not selected for the GT center program may submit an appeal. Only parents or guardians may submit an appeal. Appeal information is contained in the ineligibility letter. Appeals must contain new information not contained in the original screening file. Parents/guardians of an FCPS student may obtain a copy of the screening file from the local school GT resource teacher. The new information along with the GT Center Appeal Form, should be submitted to the GT Programs coordinator according to the timeline.
How is the appeal decision made?
The new data is added to the original screening file for review by the appeals committee. The GT Programs office notifies the parents/guardians and the local school of the appeals committee decision by the end of July. The decision of the appeals committee is final.
Can ineligible students be screened again?
Yes, students found ineligible for the GT center may be considered for school-based gifted services at the local school. Parents/guardians of ineligible students may also refer their child for GT center screening the following year according to the published timeline.
