Out-of-level Achievement and Aptitude Testing
Identifying Gifted and Talented Students with Above Grade Level Exam
Achievement and aptitude test designs are age-normed, focusing on specific educational skills. Scores often max out at a relatively low ceiling for top performers. Those earning the top 5% of test scores exhibit a wide range of abilities. Achievement tests administered to students in the targeted grade range fail to capture this diversity.
A student scoring at the 95th percentile may be a bright student who studies hard to learn appropriately challenging material. A gifted student capable of material years beyond questions on the test who is bored stiff in the classroom may earn the same score. For this reason, gifted programs and academic talent searches often use out-of-level (or above grade level) achievement tests to identify academically gifted students.
Candidates for Out-of-Level Achievement Testing
Talent searches extend participation to students scoring above the 95th-97th percentile on a nationally-normed achievement test. Some talent searches also accept parent or teacher nominations. Individual gifted assessments through a school district or private professional often include above-level testing in conjunction with IQ tests, interviews, and student history.
Benefits of Above-Level Testing of Gifted Students
Results from off-level tests help local GATE educators tailor a gifted child’s education to better serve him. Whether a gifted child is a top performer or not on an above-level test, educators gain a clearer picture as to whether enrichment, differentiation, pull-out, subject acceleration, or even whole grade acceleration are viable options for a particular gifted student.
Participation in above-level aptitude testing through a talent search program opens doors to award ceremonies, gifted summer programs, and on-going academic and socioemotional support. Talent searches are a gateway to numerous gifted opportunities.
Common Off-Level Tests for Gifted and Talented Identification
- SAT
- ACT
- EXPLORE
- SCAT
The SAT and ACT aptitude tests are both designed to measure verbal and mathematical reasoning of high school juniors and seniors. The tests factor in college admissions as predictors of college success. SAT and ACT administration to qualified 7th and 8th graders commonly occurs through regional academic talent searches.
According to a December 2001 College Board report by Wendler, et al., 7th and 8th graders taking the SAT score remarkably well compared to the high school cohort, the test targets. While the average middle schooler score falls slightly below high schoolers, many 7th and 8th graders outperform large segments of the high school population.
The EXPLORE test is normed to 8th and 9th graders. Talent searches use EXPLORE to identify highly capable 2nd-6th graders. The C-MITES, MATS, and Duke TIP talent searches utilize EXPLORE. Johns Hopkins CTY program uses the SCAT, an above-level test specifically designed for gifted students.
In most cases, test scores purge at the end of the year; scores are not part of a student’s permanent testing record transmitted to prospective colleges. Poor performance does no harm, while strong performance ideally leads to more academic growth and support.
Preparing a Gifted Student for an Above-level Achievement Test
Dr. Joyce Van Tassel-Baska, Director for the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University and Dr. Nancy Robinson, former Director of University of Washington’s Center for Young Scholars, have these tips for test preparation. Parents should explain:
- The test will help teachers, school, and parents know what they are ready to learn.
- The test is challenging with questions for older students.
- It is normal to miss many answers.
- There is no need to cram as the test measures years of learning.
- The format of the test and supply a practice exam or sample questions, eliminating fear of the unknown and ensuring adequate preparation.
- The test is a learning experience- an opportunity to stretch and grow mentally.
As with any testing experience, parent attitude and message has a strong impact on anxiety and performance. Parents should encourage a growth mindset when gifted students face a challenge. Achievement and aptitude tests differ from IQ or ability tests. Achievement tests do not measure ability to learn. These measures are a snapshot in time. Despite limitations and criticism of bias, off-level achievement tests are useful tools for identifying academically gifted learners.
Most importantly, out-of-level testing is not the only means of identifying gifted and talented individuals. Parent and teacher observations, IQ tests, portfolio work, and performance abilities all play a role in gifted child identification. In cases of creative or spatial giftedness or for twice exceptional students, these other means of identification will play a larger role. For verbally and mathematically gifted students, out-of-level aptitude tests are powerful identification tools.
Resources:
Van Tassel-Baska, Joyce. "The Use of Aptitude Tests for Identifying the Gifted: The Talent Search Concept." Roeper Review February 1986 Vol.8, pp.185-189.
Wendler, Cathy, Anne Ninneman, and Miriam Feiganbaum. "Evaluating the Appropriateness of the SAT I: Reasoning Test for Seventh and Eighth Graders." The College Board Office of Research and Development Research Notes RN-12, December 2001.
Personal communications and materials received from Dr. Nancy Robinson and University of Washington's Halbert and Nancy Robinson Center for Young Scholars prior to a gifted assessment.
