Identification Plan
Early Fall: NWEA Achievement Testing
NWEA testing is administered at least two times per year for all K-6 students. The Fall NWEA test is administered during this window. Results allow teachers to differentiate and plan for student needs as soon as performance levels are determined, even before the formal identification process.
Winter: NWEA Achievement Testing
Winter NWEA results allow teachers to see growth over a calendar year and helps them plan for students’ instructional needs. It is also used to identify students for high ability services.
K and 1st grade – Students who score in the 99th percentile on math NWEA qualify for high ability services in math. Students who score in the 99th percentile on reading NWEA qualify for high ability services in language arts.
2nd - 6th grade – Students who score in the 95th - 99th percentile on math NWEA qualify for high ability services in math. Students who score in the 95th - 99th percentile on reading NWEA qualify for high ability services in language arts.
February/March: CogAT Testing
The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) measures general reasoning abilities in three domains: verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal. The screener is a partial version of the full CogAT.
CogAT Screener:
- All kindergarten students take the CogAT screener.
- All 2nd grade students (who have not already qualified for high ability services) take the CogAT screener.
Full CogAT:
- Kindergarteners who score in the 80th percentile or higher on the screener take the full CogAT.
- 2nd grade students who score in the 80th percentile or higher on the screener take the full CogAT.
- 5th grade students who score in the 80th percentile or higher on the Winter NWEA (and have not already qualified for high ability services) take the full CogAT.
Late Spring: Two-year Advanced Math Placement
At the intermediate and junior high levels, some students may elect to participate in a two-year advanced math course. This is not generally recommended for the majority of students who receive high ability services and must be carefully considered, as students may earn multiple high school credits and receive grades toward their high school GPAs as junior high students.
To enroll in two-year advanced math, students must meet all three requirements:
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May: NWEA Achievement
Spring NWEA results allow teachers to see growth over a school year. It is also used to identify students for high ability services.
K and 1st grade – Students who score in the 99th percentile on math NWEA qualify for high ability services in math. Students who score in the 99th percentile on reading NWEA qualify for high ability services in language arts.
2nd - 6th grade – Students who score in the 95th - 99th percentile on math NWEA qualify for high ability services in math. Students who score in the 95th - 99th percentile on reading NWEA qualify for high ability services in language arts.
Late Spring (Post Spring NWEA Testing): SIGS – Scales for Identifying Gifted Students
Scales for Identifying Gifted Students (SIGS) is an identification instrument used if the score of a student in grades K, 2, or 5 falls within the standard error of measure on either Winter or Spring NWEA or CogAT. SIGS will be completed online by the teacher and family of the student.
Students who score in the 95th percentile or higher will qualify for high ability services.
Early Summer: Results Reported
Results of the identification process are reported to families through email. Identified students will automatically receive high ability services beginning the following school year.
To decline high ability services, families must complete this form by June 30.
Many families will not receive emails because their students will be continuing with the same educational plan as previous years. Emails will be sent to the following families:
- Students in grades K, 2, and 5 who participated in CogAT testing
- Students in grades K-6 who have been identified for new high ability services for next year.
If your student already receives high ability services and there will not be a change to these, all services will remain in place for next year and you will not receive an email.
If you have questions, please contact your school or visit our website. Most importantly, please know we will be ready to meet every student’s needs in every classroom!
Late Summer: Summer High Ability Identification for Move-in Students
Students who move to HSE may be eligible for high ability services if they meet the qualifications. Upon enrollment, families should provide any documentation related to high ability testing and standardized test results for review. Testing is available for new students who do not have testing data administered within the last two years. Details are in our FAQ document on our website.