Our 2nd grade teacher told us at our first conference that DC could be successful in GE or AAP, depending on our preference. Encouraged us to go for it to have the option and then decide. DC is not in pool with NNAT or CogAT and we are going to refer but not very optimistic based on scores. Likely will have high GBRS based on feedback from teacher, but only 92% on NNAT and 80 for Fairfax CogAT. DC has received differentiation and pull out services since K, among a handful across the entire grade (big school, 6-7 classes per grade) Based on school performance, was surprised by scores.

We were basically told by the 2nd grade teacher at our first parent-teacher meeting in November that our daughter would be a "perfect" fit for level 3 services and not level 4 at the Center. She even suggested that we appeal if we do not like the outcome. Our daughter is in-pool right now from the NNAT and CogAT, but I am expecting a low GBRS from the teacher, even though she gets 4s on all her exams. I have a feeling that we will have to pay $$$ for the WISC.

None are more important than others...they are not averaged or weighted. The composite score represents percentile of those three scores relative to other test takers in county. my dd scored high on verbal and lower on the other two, while I've seen other that scored highest on quant and lower on others yet theVQN was the same. Eg 98 verbal, 88 quant. 91 non verbal... 97 VQN.

Anonymous wrote:Anyone want to hazard a guess if there is one subscore that carries more weight than others? I would guess the Quant would be the most important because kids have to be able to do the accelerated math, but that is only a guess.

Verbal would carry more weight

Anyone want to hazard a guess if there is one subscore that carries more weight than others? I would guess the Quant would be the most important because kids have to be able to do the accelerated math, but that is only a guess.

Anonymous wrote:I'm an ex-fcps elem. teacher. From my experience they place the most weight on CogAt, then GBRS, then NNAT. WISC trumps all.
What often happens when there is a stand out test score is if the teachers in the local committee believe the one high score fits with what they know of the child, then they recommend the child. If the teacher is surprised by the sole high score then there's a real chance you won't get in without appeal and further tests.

Interesting. What if a low test score does not fit what the teacher knows if the child?

I'm an ex-fcps elem. teacher. From my experience they place the most weight on CogAt, then GBRS, then NNAT. WISC trumps all.
What often happens when there is a stand out test score is if the teachers in the local committee believe the one high score fits with what they know of the child, then they recommend the child. If the teacher is surprised by the sole high score then there's a real chance you won't get in without appeal and further tests.

My DD had high NNAT low CogAt and good GBRS. Did not get in first round, in on appeal with strong WISC. Doing well in program. Save up your pennies for a WISC, and be ready to appeal.

I have been told by staff that the NNAT carries more weight than the CogAT. Guess it depends who is talking.

My DD got in to AAP last year with one score of 140 and GBR of 7, no work samples, and no teacher support; so with high score GBRs don't seem to matter as much.

Two of my friends have had their hopes up high for a year because of very good NNATs only to have their hopes mostly dashed by much lower Cogats. FCPS should give the tests the same year.

The NNAT is a much less widely used test. It was created by someone at George Mason and the county started using as a way to say they can tell if English Learners are gifted. My point is that it's not as accurrate at predicting giftedness as the CogAt and teachers do not respect it as much. I gained this info at a school IEP meeting from a teacher and testing specialist.
I don't mean to be harsh. Your child still has a good chance. But I think they decreased the number of kids getting into the pool from the CogAt to offset how many get in from the NNAT. Anyway, the GBRS matters a lot.

In past years, with one high test score the GBRS seemed to carry more weight. Two high test scores have a better chance of trumping a lower GBRS. A GBRS of less than 10 is nearly impossible to overcome.

Are you talking about a current 2nd grader? Since the special form CogAT is new this year nobody will know that information. An 85% CogAT this year would have been a much higher percentile last year because the scoring was nation-wide.

To those of you who have some experience from previous years: Without knowing the GBRS, what do you think are the chances for AAP for kids with really grear NNAT scores (99%) and OK CogAT (85%)? Have you had/heard similar cases making it to AAP? Thanks!