What Do Schools Tell Kids the CogAT is For?

[Anonymous]

Anyone have an idea what schools tell 2nd graders the CogAT testing is for? My DD attends a non-center school and she seemed really stressed about taking "the test" this morning - the third day of testing. She says the AART told them it's really important to do well but she couldn't verbalize why. I tried to tell her it's just to see how she learns best and to help the AART figure out ways to give her lessons that match her learning style. Then she got upset and said "That's not what Ms. Smith said!" I emailed the AART to find out more. I'm just curious what the AART might have said.

[Anonymous]

separating the wheat from the chaff is how I've usually heard it.

[Anonymous]

I think it's a tough one for schools in that they don't want the kids goof off during the test, but are trying not to overdo it either. In DC's school they rather downplayed it, telling them it's not a graded test and they're taking it so the teachers can see where anybody is with their progress. DC did not display any anxiety or concern. At the beginning of the year the teacher actually advised parents to keep their kids sane and NOT discuss AAP with them.

[Anonymous]

I tell my kid it's to get in the advanced class, it's kind of like travel hockey for school stuff....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:separating the wheat from the chaff is how I've usually heard it.

Wow. It's clear which group you fall in.

[Anonymous]

We tell the kids it will separate the boys from the men, the girls from the women and the weak from the strong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I tell my kid it's to get in the advanced class, it's kind of like travel hockey for school stuff....

Are you joking?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We tell the kids it will separate the boys from the men, the girls from the women and the weak from the strong.

*Snort*

[Anonymous]

Back when my kid was taking it, I told him that it was just to give the kids some brain puzzles to see if they like challenges. Our school is not one where people actively talk about AAP. The kids rarely know about it until they are going to the orientation at the AAP center in May and see their classmates there as well. It is very hush-hush.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I tell my kid it's to get in the advanced class, it's kind of like travel hockey for school stuff....

Are you joking?

Not at all. It's the truth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I tell my kid it's to get in the advanced class, it's kind of like travel hockey for school stuff....

Are you joking?

Not at all. It's the truth.

How is that the truth when kids who don't make the pool with their scores get in and kids who make the pool with their scores don't get in? Plus, isn't that a lot of unnecessary pressure you're placing on your child?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I tell my kid it's to get in the advanced class, it's kind of like travel hockey for school stuff....

Are you joking?

Not at all. It's the truth.

How is that the truth when kids who don't make the pool with their scores get in and kids who make the pool with their scores don't get in? Plus, isn't that a lot of unnecessary pressure you're placing on your child?

+1000
There is no way all of those kids are "advanced".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I tell my kid it's to get in the advanced class, it's kind of like travel hockey for school stuff....

Are you joking?

Not at all. It's the truth.

How is that the truth when kids who don't make the pool with their scores get in and kids who make the pool with their scores don't get in? Plus, isn't that a lot of unnecessary pressure you're placing on your child?

+1000
There is no way all of those kids are "advanced".

Of course they are. Maybe not "gifted" but certainly advanced....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it's a tough one for schools in that they don't want the kids goof off during the test, but are trying not to overdo it either. In DC's school they rather downplayed it, telling them it's not a graded test and they're taking it so the teachers can see where anybody is with their progress. DC did not display any anxiety or concern. At the beginning of the year the teacher actually advised parents to keep their kids sane and NOT discuss AAP with them.

But it is a graded test. Weather or not you care about their scores, it's better to be honest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's a tough one for schools in that they don't want the kids goof off during the test, but are trying not to overdo it either. In DC's school they rather downplayed it, telling them it's not a graded test and they're taking it so the teachers can see where anybody is with their progress. DC did not display any anxiety or concern. At the beginning of the year the teacher actually advised parents to keep their kids sane and NOT discuss AAP with them.

But it is a graded test. Weather or not you care about their scores, it's better to be honest.