3rd grader new to FCPS with composite of 129 - refer or not?

[Anonymous]

We just moved to FCPS this year and my 3rd grader took the CogAT this fall, we just got the scores today, and he has a composite of 129, with the highest score among the sections being 137 on the quantitative. Wondering if this is strong enough to refer. I looked over the referral packet, and I should be able to put something together before tomorrow's deadline, though I don't have too many work samples (we seem to have lost a few boxes during our move last year!). Are the work samples absolutely necessary and with his score, does he stand a chance?

[Anonymous]

Did he take the NNAT? Do you think the teacher will provide favorable GBRS- or if you haven't been here long enough can you get a letter from prior teacher?

I think he can definitely get in, but may need some more supporting materials.

[Anonymous]

Definitely, yes. Do refer and your DK should get in.

[Anonymous]

No, they didn't administer the NNAT, just the CogAT.

I do have some letters from his 2nd grade teachers (we were overseas for the last few years) - I could attach those.

I don't know what his teacher's input will be really - he got a combination of 3's and 4's on his first quarter report card, and she didn't say a whole lot in the parent-teacher conference about his abilities. He is a quieter child, so I'm not sure if that could mean she hasn't gotten to know him well enough too.

[Anonymous]

With what you've posted (quiet kid, new to school, just moved, etc etc.), I think it is imperative that you provide additional work samples.

Best items would be things your kid did outside of school and is recent. Cannot stress enough the recent part (last 6-9 months) as they will be higher quality work samples than something your child did in kindergarten.

Make life easier on the committee - you want them to see high quality work samples not a lesser quality one but made by a much younger child.

[Anonymous]

Yes, refer with the letters. Hopefully school will help you with samples. Our school said not to submit any samples from in-school; they supposedly have kept all the good stuff and will choose stuff for the packet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:With what you've posted (quiet kid, new to school, just moved, etc etc.), I think it is imperative that you provide additional work samples.

Best items would be things your kid did outside of school and is recent. Cannot stress enough the recent part (last 6-9 months) as they will be higher quality work samples than something your child did in kindergarten.

Make life easier on the committee - you want them to see high quality work samples not a lesser quality one but made by a much younger child.

You have zero idea, actually. I submitted samples from this year, last year and the kindergarten year to show the child's strengths have been there all along. For example, if my child wrote something really creative and different two years ago, I would include it. Of course NO lesser quality work should be included, but high quality samples from whenever should be.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the inputs. I'll try to add in a work sample or 2, but I'm hoping the school will also be able to add in some more.