During the month of November, all 6th graders at Soaring Hawk take the CogAT assessment. Based on feedback from families and the Colorado Department of Education, and our commitment to increased equitable gifted identification practices, we have made improvements to our Universal Screening process.  In the spring of 2020, DCSD transitioned from the “paper pencil” CogAT to the online version.  The online assessment platform provides for easier administration, faster results, and access to the directions in multiple languages other than English. (NOTE: Additional language options are in process.) 

As part of this process, ALL students in sixth grade who have not been identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) the week of November 7-10th.  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.  Headphones/earbuds are needed for this test, please send them in with your student during this week.

If your child is already identified for gifted programming, they will not participate in this universal screen testing. He or she will take the IOWA assessment to further build their student portfolio.

There is no paperwork that needs to be completed in order to have your sixth grader tested at SHE during the CogAT assessment window. 

Referral testing for grades 3, 4, and 5th will take place during this time period as well, based on the following conditions:  

•       Student is new to Douglas County and/or has not previously taken the CogAT test. OR
•       Student is working a year above grade level and teacher/parents feel this student may meet the criteria for gifted education in the DCSD.