Students, both referred and universally screened, will participate in the NNAT assessment at their school during school hours. 

The NNAT assessment is a nonverbal cognitive assessment that utilizes shapes and figures to evaluate the problem-solving and reasoning abilities of a child without relying on their language skills. Cognitive assessments provide information on how a student thinks instead of what a student knows. 

In addition to the NNAT, the MSC will also review current and previous years’ data for referred and universally screened students as appropriate to their grade level.

All first grade students will be universally screened in math and reading through the IOWA exam. Families may opt out of this process through Skyward.

The Iowa Assessments (formerly known as the Iowa Test of Basic Skills) are standardized tests developed by the University of Iowa College of Education. The Highly Capable Department administers the online Iowa Assessments when determining eligibility for services in reading and/or math. 

First grade students will be assessed at a grade level above as it provides data on how they might do transitioning into a second grade classroom that accesses beyond grade level content and standards. 

Students will participate in LWSD administered exams such as FastBridge, SBA and WIDA according to the District’s schedule. This information can be found here: LWSD Assessments and Surveys.

Kindergarten

• Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) 
• Math FastBridge Benchmark Assessments 
• Reading FastBridge Benchmark Assessments 
• WAKIDs
• WIDA (ML students only) 

1st Grade

• Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) 
• Math FastBridge Benchmark Assessments 
• Reading FastBridge Benchmark Assessments 
• IOWA Math (1st grade only, to provide additional academic assessment data due to limited time in school)*
• IOWA Reading (1st grade only, to provide additional academic assessment data due to limited time in school)*
• WIDA (ML students only)

2nd Grade

• Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) 
• Math FastBridge Benchmark Assessments 
• Reading FastBridge Benchmark Assessments 
•  WIDA (ML students only)

Grades 3-8

• Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) 
• Math FastBridge Benchmark Assessments 
• Reading FastBridge Benchmark Assessments
• SBA (*4th-8th grade)
• WIDA (ML students only)

For Grades K-8

• Students Supported through Multilingual Learners (ML)
  • Students with a first language other than English will also be evaluated for rapid language acquisition using the World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA).
• Students With Support Plans (504/IEP)
  • Students who qualify for HiCap and also qualify for either individual education plans or a 504 plan are often referred to as twice-exceptional students. It is important that staff from both programs collaborate when planning for students who are eligible for multiple services. Additional data available for students with IEPs may also be used in the identification process.
• Students Eligible for Free/Reduced Lunch
  • Per state law, district practices for identifying highly capable students must prioritize equitable identification of low-income students.