CogAT Screener - Frequently Asked Questions

A short assessment that shows how students think and solve problems—not what they have been taught.

The CogAT Screener measuers:

• Words/Pictures (Verbal)
• Numbers (Quantitative)
• Pictures and patterns (Figure Matrices)

To help us:

• Understand how students learn
• Decide if more information may be helpful
• Plan instruction and advanced programming opportunities
   

May (grades K–5). Your school will share specific dates.
 

Families must opt in through WITS by April 24, 2026.
 

No. Families choose whether to participate.

The CogAT Screener takes approximately 30 minutes.

No, the CogAT screener does not affect a student's grades.

No.  This is not an assessment of what students have already learned, but how they use reasoning skills.
 

No. We will continue to use multiple measures to identify student needs.  Taking the CogAT will be necessary for consideration of new advanced learning opportunities that may be available in the 2026-27 school year for grades 1 - 6. 
 

Yes, for students with IEPs or 504s, testing accommodations will be provided.
 

The CogAT Screener is a computer based assessment. Students will have headphones and a device and will be monitored by a proctor. 

The assessment can be administered in multiple languages. The needs of all ENL students taking the test will be reviewed to determine the best language for administration.
 

No. There is no studying needed.
 

Yes. Reports will be shared with parents/guardians in late June.

No. It is one part of a larger process. No single test determines placement.
 

Some students may be recommended for additional assessment. Families will be notified before any next steps.
 

Students can still receive support through the district’s Levels of Service model. However, CogAT is used to consider students for advanced programming.
 

No. This test does not determine services on its own.

Accommodations will be available as needed including read-alouds (multiple languages) via headphones.
 

To give every student the opportunity to show how they think and to support fair access to advanced learning.

They show how your child approached different types of thinking tasks.