COGAT test name changed to Fairfax Abilities Test in FCPS

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm guessing it's pretty much like the COGAT, but they're trying to keep people from prepping by tricking them into thinking it's different.

I think if that were the case, they would have chosen a much different name.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm guessing it's pretty much like the COGAT, but they're trying to keep people from prepping by tricking them into thinking it's different.

I think if that were the case, they would have chosen a much different name.

Not sure I understand your logic.

[Anonymous]

I know that the schools are going to give the kids a practice test so that they know what to expect when they take the "real" test.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS is customizing the COGAT test and also considering that DRA and MRA scores are equally important in evaluating the GT kids.

What is MRA?

Mathematics Reasoning Assessment

They have always looked at DRA and presumably MRA. I think it's a little unfair to use that as a cut off, though, because there are a fair number of "gifted" kids who are late bloomers. I know because I have one (who is already in AAP so I don't have a dog in this fight).

[Anonymous]

Ask your school for your child's K-3 Achievement Record. It is an actual document with all of their assessment information. You need to ask, they don't just hand them out. Get a copy every year. It is your right!

[Anonymous]

What is the content and format of Fairfax Abilities Test

[Anonymous]

Call the office of testing at fcps. They should be able to explain it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Call the office of testing at fcps. They should be able to explain it.

I called the office of testing and they asked me to contact the school. The school has not provided any information.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Call the office of testing at fcps. They should be able to explain it.

I called the office of testing and they asked me to contact the school. The school has not provided any information.

Check with the AART at your school. The AART should have specifics to share with you.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have thoughts regarding what this means for those of us applying from outside of FCPS? From what I can tell from the website, it appears George Mason will still be administering the standard CogAT...Maybe this makes it more important to supplement our application files with a WISC?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have thoughts regarding what this means for those of us applying from outside of FCPS? From what I can tell from the website, it appears George Mason will still be administering the standard CogAT...Maybe this makes it more important to supplement our application files with a WISC?

Last time I looked, they still have a list of tests that they will accept from kids moving in from other districts, as long as they were administered by their previous schools.

http://www.fcps.edu/is/aap/identificationntc.shtml

They accept an extensive list of tests. When we transferred into fairfax, we had to hand deliver the test scores, after registering with the home elementary school. It is a very simple process for transfer students. The only downside is that you cannot start the registration/application process until you are actually living in the area, so for many of us that means not knowing which school our child will attend until the week before school starts. Other than that, it is very simple to transfer into AAP, provided your child has the required scores.

[Anonymous]

Very thankful that my kids are the real smart ones.
Doesn't matter whatever they do whatever they use.

[Anonymous]

Maybe parents should not be looking to prep or have their children practice for these kinds of tests! In a way that is cheating the system. The children should be screened into the process solely on their "cold" performance. FCPS has to change the testing because parents were seeking out and using old or sample tests.

[Anonymous]

Great - sounds like this FAT test will add to America's obesity problem.

But seriously, why do you parents spend so much time agonizing and analyzing this? It's like a silly game of one upmanship and who's kid is smarter out there?

I understand some say 'well my kids smart but underperforming and i can intervene in some way'. But Jesus, all these posts are truly helicopter parenting to the max. I'd love someone to do a future study to see if your kids got into better colleges as a result of your obsession.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Great - sounds like this FAT test will add to America's obesity problem.

But seriously, why do you parents spend so much time agonizing and analyzing this? It's like a silly game of one upmanship and who's kid is smarter out there?

I understand some say 'well my kids smart but underperforming and i can intervene in some way'. But Jesus, all these posts are truly helicopter parenting to the max. I'd love someone to do a future study to see if your kids got into better colleges as a result of your obsession.

Yeah, God forbid you help your child do better if he is under performing in school. They should ban SAT prep courses too as that contributes to those fortunate enought to afford them to have an unfair advantage as well.