cutoff scores for Fairfax County GT centers for this year?

[Anonymous]

Really? because someone responded before that a 130 needed to be achieved on both tests.

Aaargh. That is completely wrong. Please go back and read earlier parts of the thread and/ or the FCPS website.

You have to meet the cutoff with respect to ONE subset in order to be in the pool. It's not up for debate.

[Anonymous]

Really? because someone responded before that a 130 needed to be achieved on both tests.

The cutoff info for last year is no longer on the site. In theory, the cutoff changes year to year based on the range of scores for that year. But the cutoff has been 130 on any one subpart for a few years in a row.

It will be interesting to see what FCPS does in regard to the NNAT being given to first graders.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
It will be interesting to see what FCPS does in regard to the NNAT being given to first graders.

At the last AAPAC meeting, Carol Horn said that first graders are being given the NNAT2 this year because (1) they were testing so many Kindergarten students in June at the Young Scholars schools, and these same students were being tested again in 2nd grade anyway and (2) some teachers were saying that it was difficult for Kindergarten students to sit through NNAT testing anyway. So they decided to not test Kindergarten students at the Young Scholars schools in June last school year and move the testing to the fall for all 1st grade students. This school year would be the last school year for all 2nd grade students to be administered the NNAT2. The CoGAT will still be administered for all 2nd grade students this year and going forward.

For those that are interested in AAP issues, I suggest attending the AAPAC meetings. They are open to the public.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
For those that are interested in AAP issues, I suggest attending the AAPAC meetings. They are open to the public.

Information about AAPAC is on the FCPS website:

http://www.fcps.edu/DIS/gt/aapac.html

[Anonymous]

I meant more things like.....

- will they change the cutoffs given that they are testing a younger age group?

- will they place more emphasis on CoGAT vs NNAT?

- will they provide an opportunity for a re-test

- will private school kids get to take it in second grade and will they use the same cutoffs

Those types of things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I meant more things like.....

- will they change the cutoffs given that they are testing a younger age group?

- will they place more emphasis on CoGAT vs NNAT?

- will they provide an opportunity for a re-test

- will private school kids get to take it in second grade and will they use the same cutoffs

Those types of things.

1. Probably not

2. No
http://www.fcps.edu/DIS/gt/faqs.html

How is the second grade pool of candidates for the full-time AAP ( level IV) center program determined?
The second grade pool is determined through a review of the NNATII test results and CogAT test results. This year only, all first and second grade students will take the NNATII as the test is being moved to first grade. Next year’s pool will consist of NNATII scores from first grade and CogAT scores from second grade. 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 full-time AAP (level IV) 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.


3. Yes, just as they do now
http://www.fcps.edu/DIS/gt/faqs.html

What tests are used to screen students for Advanced Academic services?
The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAt) and the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) are administered to all FCPS students. First and second grade students will take the NNAT2 during fall testing window. (In 2011-2012, the NNAT2 will be given to all first grade students and a small number of second grade students who were not tested in first grade.) Students in grades 3-8 who are missing an ability test score are also tested during the fall testing cycle. Parents of students in grades 3-8 may request a one-time retest option for either the CogAT or the NNAT by informing the school at the start of the school year.

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. Please let the testing coordinator and Advanced Academic Resource Teacher at your local school know at the start of the school year if you wish to have your student re-tested. Additional testing may be obtained from George Mason University Psychological Clinic (703-993-4200, http://cap.gmu.edu/). Students must wait at least 6 months before retaking any group ability test or individual intelligence test. Students may take a different approved group test or individual intelligence test administered by a state licensed psychologist within a 6 month period.


4. Private school kids do not take NNAT or CoGat now.
http://www.fcps.edu/DIS/gt/faqs.html

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 assessments administered by private psychologists will be accepted if conducted by a state licensed psychologist and the report is accompanied by a copy of the license. Please note that results must be reported as standard age scores.

[Anonymous]

4. Private school kids do not take NNAT or CoGat now.

Well, they have the option. That is the "group ability tests" referred to offered at George Mason. They can also opt for things like the WISC, but many private school parents start with the CoGAT/NNAT because they are cheaper.

And you are basing your answers off what they currently do. I don't think it would be unreasonable for a parent of a first grader to say that a first grade test result is not representative, especially if the child had an (at the time) undocumented learning disability. The "second grade pool" will really become a first and second grade pool. And what about kids who enter FCPS in second grade and don't have a first grade NNAT? Will they take the NNAT in second grade and is is fair to compare those scores to kids who took in first?

Anyway, it doesn't really affect me, I just think it will be interesting to see how the process changes, and I'm glad I don't have a grade 1 kid right now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hope so. This year the NNAT's are being given to 1st graders (also. )

I was thinking of telling my DC not to worry about finishing all 38 questions..and just do the best that she can attempt on..

That led me to wonder how many does she actually need to get for a 130+ score ( if that is indeed the cutoff this year)

thanks for responding.

You probably aren't even going to know the day they give the test.

I'm sorry, I think waaaaaaaaay too many of you are stressing over this. The whole point is for them to get an idea of where the child is and *if* they are potentially gifted. There are many examples on this thread of where a child was below the cutoff, but still made it into the gifted program because the teacher and the parent see something extra in the child. On the flipside, there are plenty of kids who don't go to gifted programs and do very well in school and life.

Does it really mean that much to all of you to be able to say your child is in the gifted program? Really?

Get your validation from yourself, not your child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And you are basing your answers off what they currently do.

I am basing my answers on what they currently do and what they have historically done. As you may recall, 1st grade and 2nd grade students were tested in the past when the CoGAT and Otis Lennon tests were administered back in the 90s.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And you are basing your answers off what they currently do. I don't think it would be unreasonable for a parent of a first grader to say that a first grade test result is not representative, especially if the child had an (at the time) undocumented learning disability.

A parent can always refer their child, and the child will be considered just as children in the 2nd grade pool are considered.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hope so. This year the NNAT's are being given to 1st graders (also. )

I was thinking of telling my DC not to worry about finishing all 38 questions..and just do the best that she can attempt on..

That led me to wonder how many does she actually need to get for a 130+ score ( if that is indeed the cutoff this year)

thanks for responding.

You probably aren't even going to know the day they give the test.

I'm sorry, I think waaaaaaaaay too many of you are stressing over this. The whole point is for them to get an idea of where the child is and *if* they are potentially gifted. There are many examples on this thread of where a child was below the cutoff, but still made it into the gifted program because the teacher and the parent see something extra in the child. On the flipside, there are plenty of kids who don't go to gifted programs and do very well in school and life.

Does it really mean that much to all of you to be able to say your child is in the gifted program? Really?

Get your validation from yourself, not your child.

Heck Yes! Is this a trick question?

[Anonymous]

As you may recall, 1st grade and 2nd grade students were tested in the past when the CoGAT and Otis Lennon tests were administered back in the 90s.

LOL! We didn't move here until 2000 and DD is a 4th grader, so no I don't recall.

I also think it's a different world now than it was in the 90s in terms of internet info, so I wonder if FCPS is prepared for a bit of chaos. As I said, I am mainly curious since it does not affect us.

Does it really mean that much to all of you to be able to say your child is in the gifted program? Really?

I think part of the problem is that the process is not that transparent and more than a little bit arbitrary. It can be cnfusing for parents going through the process the first time. If your kid is not in the pool, do you refer? Is it worth it? And some AARTs are not helpful to families going through the process. But for my DD, yes it was very important for her well being at school to get into the center. For other kids more laid back and easy going, perhaps not so much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I also think it's a different world now than it was in the 90s in terms of internet info, so I wonder if FCPS is prepared for a bit of chaos.

My guess? I doubt it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hope so. This year the NNAT's are being given to 1st graders (also. )

I was thinking of telling my DC not to worry about finishing all 38 questions..and just do the best that she can attempt on..

That led me to wonder how many does she actually need to get for a 130+ score ( if that is indeed the cutoff this year)

thanks for responding.

You probably aren't even going to know the day they give the test.

I'm sorry, I think waaaaaaaaay too many of you are stressing over this. The whole point is for them to get an idea of where the child is and *if* they are potentially gifted. There are many examples on this thread of where a child was below the cutoff, but still made it into the gifted program because the teacher and the parent see something extra in the child. On the flipside, there are plenty of kids who don't go to gifted programs and do very well in school and life.

Does it really mean that much to all of you to be able to say your child is in the gifted program? Really?

Get your validation from yourself, not your child.

Heck Yes! Is this a trick question?

Gosh, I hope you are kidding.

[Anonymous]

People, it's the CogAT - cognitive abilities test.

Sorry, but it's driving me nuts that everyone on this thread keeps writing CoGat & CoGAT. It's not co- anything. If you knew the name of the test, the shorthand would make sense.