Fairfax County GT Center eligibility letters?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hey can you guys tell me the GT application proccess like why my brother got a letter saying that he is going to be tested now in 1st grade rather thanin 2nd.

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.

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.

Testing may also be obtained from George Mason University Psychological Clinic (telephone [phone], website http://cap.gmu.edu).

What ability tests are accepted for screening for Advanced Academic Programs?
List of Approved Ability Tests

* Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) Form 5
* Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT)
* Cognitive Assessment System (CAS)
* Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC IV)
* Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, Riverside
* Differential Ability Scales (DAS)
* Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OSLAT) 7th Edition

What is the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)?
The Cognitive Abilities Test is a group ability test that measures general intellectual ability. The test consists of three batteries: Verbal, Quantitative, and Nonverbal. Each battery is designed to assess a group of general abstract reasoning skills that research suggests are related to learning and problem solving.The Verbal and Quantitative Batteries require the student to use verbal and mathematical concepts 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. The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test 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, the instructions are brief, and the questions may be solved using only the information that is presented in each diagram.


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. On the new version of the NNAT (NNAT 2) the highest score is 160. 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.


How can I prepare my child to take the tests? Can I see sample questions or practice sheets?
Sample questions are practiced by students as part of the test preparation. Sample tests are not commercially available. The best test preparation is a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast.