The South Carolina Department of Education, in accordance with State Board of Education Regulation 43-220, requires that all second grade students be administered norm-referenced tests for aptitude and achievement. A norm-referenced test compares a student with other students in the "norming group." In the fall of each year, students in grade 2 are administered the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) and the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) which are used for gifted and talented screening. Although the purpose of administering these tests is to identify students for the gifted and talented program, the results for all students will be utilized by teachers as they plan their instructional practices and teaching strategies for the remainder of the school year.

 

 

ITBS data will be reviewed to determine if a child has met the state gifted and talented qualification for Dimension B.  Students must score in the 94th percentile or higher in reading comprehension or math concepts and problem solving to successfully obtain Dimension B. Students will also need to successfully achieve Dimension A or Dimension C to qualify for the gifted and talented program.

 

CogAT data will be reviewed to determine if a child has met the state gifted and talented qualification for Dimension A. Students who achieve a 96th national age percentile Composite score or higher qualify for placement without meeting any additional criteria. Students who achieve a Composite score 93rd through 95th national age percentile score or a subtest score at the 93rd or higher national age percentile may qualify if they achieve successfully the standard on either Dimension B or Dimension C.