January 13, 2021
Dear Larkspur Parents/Guardians,
As part of the DCSD Universal Screening process and our commitment to equitable identification for gifted programming, DCSD will administer the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT 7) during the weeks of Feb. 8 - March 5, 2021. This assessment indicates the level and pattern of cognitive development of a student in comparison to grade and age mates.
The CogAT is comprised of three subsections:
The Verbal Battery assesses students’ abilities to use search, retrieval, and comparison processes that are essential for verbal reasoning.
The Quantitative Battery assesses students’ abilities to reason about patterns and relations using concepts that are essential in quantitative thinking.
The Nonverbal Battery assesses students’ abilities to reason with somewhat more novel questions that use spatial and figural content.
Additional information can be accessed HERE. Please see below for specific information based on your child’s current grade.
Universal Screen
As part of this process, ALL students in 2nd grade, and students in grade 3 (who have not been identified for gifted programming), will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) the weeks of February 8 through February 19, 2021. This assessment indicates the level and pattern of cognitive development of a student in comparison to grade and age mates. These general reasoning abilities, which start developing at birth and continue through early adulthood, are influenced by experiences gained both in and out of school.
If your child is already identified for gifted programming, or completed all components of
the CogAT in grade 2, they will not participate in this universal screen testing.
Gifted Identification Referral Testing
If your child is in grades K, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and you believe he/she needs evaluation for Gifted Identification and Services, you may refer your child for testing by initiating the Gifted Identification Process.
NOTE: Requesting this assessment automatically initiates the process to evaluate for Gifted Identification.
Please request CogAT testing for your child by completing the Referral for Gifted Identification linked HERE
Upon receipt of this form the Gifted Education Facilitator will connect with you to discuss
next steps in the gifted identification process
Thank you for your continued support of all learners at Larkspur Elementary School. If you do not wish for your child to participate in this Universal Screener for gifted programming identification, please complete the attached Excusal Form.
Sincerely,
JoAnna Dietz
Academic Interventionist/Gifted and Talented Facilitator
Larkspur Elementary
Juli Nieto
Assistant Principal and School Assessment Coordinator
Larkspur Elementary