Gifted Screening

The first step to identification is the elementary universal screening process, which includes the administration of the Naglieri Non-Verbal 3 (NNAT-3) to all first graders and the administration of the CogAT to all fourth graders. Tests are administered in the fall by the testing coordinator, usually with the help of the AAC. Students who score above 120 on any battery of an ability test are automatically referred for gifted screening and are part of the talent pool for that screening year. For example, if a student has CogAT scores of 113-verbal, 128-quantitative, 119-nonverbal, they would be automatically referred for screening due to the 128. In other words, they do not need a composite score of above 120 to qualify. Students from underrepresented populations who score close to 120 are also referred for gifted screening.

AACs use guidance on local norms from testing platforms to make decisions on how to create talent pools that reflect school demographics. This is especially crucial for Title I schools and schools with high populations of English learners. APS also considers achievement tests when screening students. It is possible to miss students on ability tests, so APS uses Standards of Learning (SOL) data, NWEA data, and grades, in addition to ability scores to ensure a complete and fair screening process takes place for every student. This process is repeated in middle school for any student who enters the district after elementary school.