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CogAT

CogAT Testing at SHE

The Cognitive Abilities Test™ (CogAT®) is an assessment given in many school systems to provide a view into a student’s reasoning abilities.  A short video describing CogAT is available here. Student reasoning ability is fundamentally different from achievement, although the two are closely related.   (Read more about CogAT here.)

  • In November, all 6th graders at Soaring Hawk take the CogAT assessment. 
  • In February, all 2nd graders at Soaring Hawk take the CogAT assessment. 

As part of this process, all students in sixth grade or second grade who have not been identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). 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.

If your child is already identified for gifted programming, they will not participate in this universal screen testing. 

CogAT Referrals

Dear Parents/Guardians,

DCSD is committed to implementing equitable practices to increase access to advanced/gifted learning opportunities. Based on state and national recommendations and requirements, we implement Universal Screening for students in 2nd grade (February) and 5th or 6th grade--a student's final year of elementary school (November).

Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, we will be testing only 5th graders in Douglas County in November.  In preparation for this, we will be testing all 5th & 6th graders this November so as to not miss any students in the transition process.

5th & 6th Grade Universal Screen 

As part of this process, ALL students in 5th & 6th grade not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) the week of November 3rd (6th Grade) and November 10th (5th Grade).  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.  

In alignment with DCSD’s Strategic Plan, starting in the 2026-2027 school year, we will be testing only 5th graders in Douglas County in November.  In preparation for this, we will be testing all 5th & 6th graders this November so as to not miss any students in the transition process.

Gifted Identification Referral Testing 

  • If your child is in grades 3 and 4, and you believe they need evaluation for Gifted Identification and Services, you may refer your child for testing by initiating the Gifted Identification Process.  

  • NOTE:  Requesting this assessment automatically initiates the process to evaluate for Gifted Identification. 

  • Please request CogAT testing for your child by completing the Referral for Gifted Identification linked HERE.

  • Upon receipt of this form the Gifted Education Facilitator will connect with you to discuss next steps in the gifted identification process.

Please contact Mandy Smith, Gifted Education Facilitator at SHE, if you have any questions.