• FAQs

    1.  What exactly is the CogAT?

    The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT®) measures students’ learned reasoning abilities in the three areas most linked to academic success in school: Verbal, Quantitative and Nonverbal.

    The CogAT is well-suited to help educators make important student placement decisions, such as selecting students for gifted and talented programs.

    Benefits

    • Technically superior instrument for screening students for school programs
    • Proven by research studies to identify more English Language Learners and minority students as possibly eligible for gifted and talented programs
    • Authored by Dr. David Lohman (professor emeritus, University of Iowa), winner of the National Association for Gifted Children's Paper of the Decade award

    Tests

    Reasoning abilities have substantial correlations with learning and problem solving, both within and outside of school. CogAT’s measurement of three different content domains ensures that educators receive a balanced view of each child.

    Each level of CogAT offers three test batteries:

    • Verbal
    • Quantitative
    • Nonverbal

    - See more at: http://www.hmhco.com/hmh-assessments/ability/cogat-6#sthash.H37vx0tg.dpuf

     

    2.  Can my child study for the CogAT?

    The CogAT does not measure acquired knowledge in the form of facts.   There are sample questions that can be found online to give you a preview of the style of the exam, but the best preparation is a good night’s rest and a calm, collected demeanor. 

     

    3.  Can my child retake the CogAT if they do not perform well?

    Students may not retake the CogAT once they have taken it during an academic year.  

     

    4.  Does the CogAt determine placement in anything other than the G&T program?

    It does not.  Even within the G&T program, the CogAT is one of several data points used to determine eligibility.  

     

    5.  I have additional questions.  Whom can I contact?

    Please call the Supervisor of Gifted Education, Mr. Derek Sica at 973-663-5780  x5073.