Identification Assessments

Students served through Classroom Based Services generally demonstrate academic data at or above the 95th percentile in reading and/or math, along with advanced performance on other progress monitoring tools. This makes up their comprehensive body of evidence.  
 
Students served through self-contained services such as Full-Time Quest and Middle School Quest generally demonstrate academic performance at the 98th national percentile or above on at least three academic standardized assessments in reading and math, using data from the previous school year as well as the current school year through available winter data. Additionally, these students also perform at or above the 98th national percentile on the LWSD-administered CogAT. Together, these measures make up their comprehensive body of evidence.

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.

Cognitive ability tests measures how students process information to reach a solution, and results are based upon each student’s level of cognitive development.  Cognitive ability tests measure general and specific reasoning skills in three areas: verbal, quantitative and non-verbal/spatial reasoning.  Questions require reasoning skills and are not academic in nature.

The CogAT measures general and specific reasoning abilities in three areas.  This assessment includes the following subtests:

• Verbal – The CogAT Verbal Battery is used to assess a student’s vocabulary, efficiency and verbal memory, ability to determine word relationships, and the ability to comprehend ideas. The CogAT Verbal test is comprised of three subtests. For lower levels, these subtests are: Sentence Completion, Picture Classification, and Picture Analogies. For higher levels, these three subtests are: Sentence Completion, Verbal Classification, and Verbal Analogies. These three subtests combined make up the CogAT Verbal score.
• Nonverbal – The CogAT Nonverbal Battery is used to assess a student’s reasoning abilities through the use of spatial and figural content. There is no reading required to complete the CogAT Nonverbal test. These three subtests are: Figure Matrices, Paper Folding, and Figure Classification. These three subtests combined make up the CogAT Nonverbal score.
• Quantitative – The CogAT Quantitative Battery assesses students’ quantitative reasoning and problem solving abilities. This section evaluates the students’ level of abstract reasoning. The CogAT Quantitative Battery is comprised of three subtests: Number Series, Number Puzzles, and Number Analogies. These three subtests combined make up the CogAT Quantitative score.  Scratch paper is given to students during the quantitative section only.

The CogAT is computer-based.  The test is proctor paced and audio-led.  Instructions will be delivered individually to students via the computer (audio-led) which is why headphones are required. 

We believe in providing every student with the opportunity to showcase their true abilities through the most fair and accurate testing process possible. To ensure equitable access and uphold the integrity of the assessment, we do not share specific details about testing levels or forms. This approach helps create a level playing field for all students and ensures that results remain valid and meaningful.

Learn more about the CogAT exam, including sample test items.

As part of the identification process, the MPC will utilize a comprehensive body of evidence, including any current or previously administered assessments, such as the NNAT and IOWA Math and Reading exams. Information about the NNAT and IOWA exams can be found below.  

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.  

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.