Frequently Asked Questions

What test does the Scottsdale School District use?

The Scottsdale School District uses the Cognitive Abilities Test to identify students who qualify for gifted services. The scores must be at or above the 97th percentile in the area of verbal, quantitative or non-verbal reasoning to qualify for services. Teacher recommendations, parent recommendations, achievement scores and grades are not used to qualify students for gifted services in the Scottsdale School District, but may be used for referrals. Students who transfer from other schools must meet this same criterion, even if the former school used different criteria.

If my child did qualify in a previous school district, how can I transfer the records to the Scottsdale School District ?

Obtain the form titled "Release of Confidential Information" from the Gifted Specialist on your campus. Mail it to the former school district, and they will send the records directly to our district. Gifted records are not sent with your child's regular file.

What services are available if my child qualifies?

A description of services is available at www.SUSD.org or by contacting the Gifted Specialist at your child's school.

What is the Cognitive Abilities Test like?

It is a timed, multiple choice test with an electronically scored answer sheet on which students indicate their choices. The choices are assigned letters A through Z, so that students cannot accidentally skip a question and invalidate the test results.

The Verbal Battery is made up of three sub tests: verbal classification (students select the word that belongs to the same category as the sample words), sentence completion, and verbal analogies (e.g., hat is to head as sock is to foot). This battery provides a reliable measure of verbal abstract reasoning and problem solving skills.

The Quantitative Battery is composed of quantitative relations (comparison of two quantities as greater, lesser or equal involving money, measurement, time, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions and geometry), number patterns (i.e., 2, 4, 6, 8, _) and equation building (students are given several numbers and signs in random order and are instructed to put them in a sequence that will result in one of the multiple choice answers). To a large extent, a student's performance on this battery is dependent upon flexibility in using quantitative concepts.

The Nonverbal Battery is composed of figure classification (students select from three sample figures the one that has a common attribute), figure analogies, and figure analysis (students look at pictures of a folded piece of paper with holes punched in it, then visualize what it would look like unfolded). The items on these sub tests involve neither words nor numbers. This portion of the test provides an opportunity for students who process information in a holistic way to show how well they reason. This test is not designed to identify students who have high aptitudes in the areas of athletics, leadership, creativity, fine arts, performing arts, music or interpersonal skills. Many students who score high on this test have these aptitudes, as do many students who score low on this test.

What is the testing environment like?

This is a group testing environment. Students who follow directions well and have good listening skills have an advantage over those who do not. Working conditions will be quiet and without interruptions. Students who disrupt will be asked to leave in order to ensure optimum conditions for the rest of the group.

When is the next testing period?

Testing is offered three times per year. During each school year, testing will be done in the Fall, Winter and Spring. The Fall testing is open to students in all grades except kindergarten and third. The Winter testing will be offered every Saturday; this will be open to all students in all grades except third. All third graders will be tested by their homeroom teachers in the Fall. To have your child tested, obtain the "Testing Referral for Gifted Education Services" form from your school office or download it from the Gifted Services Home page. This must be done prior to the testing dates.

How long does the testing take?

Each of the three batteries is given on a separate day and lasts for 30 minutes. The directions and sample problems take another 30 minutes per day.

What if my child is absent during testing?

In most instances, make-up tests can be taken during the testing period. However, some students with extensive absences may need to wait until the next testing period to make up the sub-tests they missed.

How can I register to have my child tested?

If you are interested in having your child tested, please obtain the "Referral/Registration Form" from your school office or download it from the Gifted Services Home page. This must be done prior to the testing dates. The parent, not the teacher, is responsible for submitting the Test Referral Form to the office. The form must list the date and name of the child's current homeroom teacher. Because of the time that is required to order the tests and prepare the schedule, we cannot accept late Referral Forms.

Do students have to retake the test each year?

Students who are already qualified for services do not need to be retested each year.

When will I find out my child's scores?

The test results will be mailed directly to you within four weeks. If you do not receive your scores, please call the Gifted Services department at 480-484-2833.

What if I have questions about the test or the test scores?

Please call the Gifted Office at 480-484-2833.

What if I would like a second assessment?

You have some options:

1. Wait twelve months and have your child retested on the Cognitive Abilities Test at school.
2. Take your student to a licensed psychologist at any time for evaluation with one of the tests approved by the State of Arizona for identification of giftedness. If the scores are at or above the 97th percentile, bring them into the school office. (You pay the testing fee.)

Do you think we should get a second assessment?

School employees are not permitted to make a recommendation regarding second assessments.

Can you recommend a psychologist?

School employees are not permitted to recommend a psychologist.

If my child qualifies for services, when will services begin?

First, you will receive a letter with your child's scores and a green consent form from the school district. You must return the completed form to the office in order for services to begin. Services will begin approximately two weeks after the gifted services teacher receives the test scores.

How can I prepare my child for this test?

This is an interesting question since there is a strong relationship between a stimulating enriched environment and high scores. Many children who attain high scores come from homes where math, verbal and spatial puzzles (crossword puzzles, board puzzles, Rummy Tiles, Chess, Scattegories, Memory, computer logic games, mazes, etc.) are played for family recreation. There is a spirit of adventure and fun surrounding these activities, and the children have a positive view of cognitive challenges.

Do high scores on this test predict future success?

It is also interesting to note that high scores on this test are not necessarily a reliable predictor of future academic success. There are many variables that can affect the relationship between a child's ability and actual performance. Achievement scores (Stanford 9 Achievement Test and Scottsdale Reading and Math Tests) tend to be better predictors, because they identify how well the child is actually using his/her potential. In order to achieve academic success, a child should use effective learning strategies, demonstrate perseverance and develop a positive attitude toward learning. Research studies have shown that parents are excellent identifiers of giftedness. It is very important that you trust your own instincts in your evaluation of your child's potential talents, regardless of the test scores. Whether or not your child qualifies for gifted services at the elementary level, continue to support your child in identifying and exploring high interest areas, developing a positive attitude towards learning, learning self discipline and good work habits and nurturing a strong, realistic belief in his/her own unique human potential. Many students who are successful in high school and college did not qualify for gifted services in elementary school. Some students who did qualify for gifted services in elementary school, are not particularly successful in high school or college. The results of any intelligence test are somewhat questionable considering the complexity of the human mind. Current brain research indicates that intelligence is not a fixed measurable phenomenon, but is instead, multifaceted and changeable. Please keep this in mind as you support your child's interests and talents.