Gifted Programming
CogAT Screener
What Families Need to Know
During May 2026, students in grades K–5 had the opportunity to participate in the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) Screener. Thank you to the families who chose to participate.
The CogAT helps us understand how students think and learn by measuring reasoning skills using words, numbers, and pictures. The assessment is designed to measure learned reasoning abilities and problem-solving skills rather than specific knowledge that has been taught in school.
Individual score reports will be mailed to participating families in June 2026.
As part of our review process, some students whose screener results suggest that additional information would be helpful may be invited to take the full CogAT assessment. The full assessment provides a more comprehensive picture of a student's reasoning abilities and is one of multiple measures considered when reviewing student learning needs and potential advanced programming opportunities.
Results may be used to:
- Support classroom instruction
- Better understand how students learn
- Inform discussions about advanced learning opportunities
- Provide one of multiple measures used in gifted programming review processes
There are three sections on the CogAT Screener:
- Verbal (or Picture*) Analogies
*Pictures are used for students in grades K–1 - Number Analogies
- Figure Matrices
Overview
The CogAT Screener:
- Takes approximately 30 minutes
- Measures thinking in words, numbers and pictures
- Is administered during the school day
- Results will be available to families in late June
Resources
Overview - Gifted Programming Services
A unique array of services is offered to develop talent in students. A full-time Gifted Programming Specialist, assigned to each middle and elementary school, is committed to nurturing the talents of all learners. Programming is delivered through four levels of service by the school community including Gifted Programming Specialists.
GPS - Level 1
GPS - Level II
GPS - Level III
Participation in Gifted Programming
All students are included in Level I Gifted Programming and Level II offerings are self-selected by students. Decisions regarding involvement in Level III Gifted Programming are made through a flexible process, encompassing a consideration of multiple measures and varied sources of information. No single factor determines participation, nor does a set period of time exist for the provision of service. Rather, assessment and involvement are fluid processes, changing throughout the course of a year as student strengths, interests, and talents are identified.
Students may meet with the Gifted Programming Specialist as part of whole group instruction within the classroom, in small group settings, or individually as determined by individual strengths, needs, and/or interests:
- Independence and task commitment
- High academic achievement
- Original ideas and solutions
- Synthesizing and processing information at an accelerated rate
- Ability to think critically and problem solve
- Focused and varied interests
If you would like more information regarding gifted programming services please contact your child's school.
Gifted Programming - Levels of Service
A Team Approach
Gifted Programming Services (GPS) target a student's identified academic strengths and sustained interests in order to offer academic challenges and promote learning through a team approach.