CogAT

Cognitive Abilities Test [CogAT] Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the CogAT?

The Cognitive Abilities Test, or CogAT is a nationally-normed test published by Riverside Insights that measures students’ learned reasoning abilities in the three areas most linked to academic success in school: Verbal, Quantitative and Nonverbal. There is no defined curriculum for this assessment; it is NOT an assessment of grade level content and skills like the NJSLA standardized achievement tests or the types of assessments teachers use to diagnose, inform, and/ or evaluate learning, which are intended to assess the extent to which students have learned and can transfer/ apply grade-level content and skills.

The CogAT is typically administered in a group setting, proctored either by the student’s teacher or guidance counselor.

2. What does the CogAT measure?

Unlike a math or spelling test following a unit of study, this assessment is not a test of academic achievement or of grade level content.

The CogAT seeks to assess students’ learned reasoning abilities as they relate to student learning and problem solving via three batteries of tests:

- Verbal Battery - measures ability to reason with verbal images and concepts. These reasoning abilities play an important role in reading comprehension, critical thinking, writing, and virtually all verbal learning tasks.

- Verbal Analogies
- Sentence Completion*
- Verbal Classification

- Quantitative Battery - measures ability to reason with quantitative symbols and concepts. These reasoning skills are significantly related to problem solving in mathematics and other disciplines.
- Number Analogies
- Number Puzzles
- Number Series

- Nonverbal Battery - measures ability to reason with geometric shapes and figures. Successful performances require accurate implementation of strategies for solving novel problems.
- Figure Matrices
- Paper Folding
- Figure Classification

3. Which students are eligible to take the CogAT?

Grade 3 students are provided the opportunity to be assessed via the CogAT during the course of the school year. Official communiqués regarding CogAT testing dates will be provided in advance of the coordinated testing dates and placed on the FLPS web site’s calendar. Additionally, students new to the District in grades 4 and above are provided the opportunity to take the CogAT during the summer [FAMS]/ aligned with the 3rd grade CogAT administration [elementary schools].

Testing accommodations/ modifications will be implemented as prescribed by IEP, Section 504, or English Language Learning plans.

4. How does FLPS use the CogAT?

The information provided via CogAT testing informs our efforts to adapt instruction to the needs and abilities of students using a measure of cognitive development - not typically represented in report cards. Additionally, CogAT results are utilized, among other student assessment information, to create a comprehensive learner profile used to support identification of potential needs with supplemental programming such as gifted & talented services and/ or middle school mathematics course placements.

5. How are CogAT results utilized?

The results of each CogAT subtest are analyzed and used in combination with other assessments/ information to create learning profiles as students enter grades 4 and above. The results may contribute to a body of evidence (illuminating patterns of strength) that identifies a need for supplemental programming such as Gifted & Talented Tiered Services. Results are also included among other data points for determine appropriate course placements for the middle school math program. To learn more about the measures used to support identification for G&T services, please refer to our Gifted & Talented services web page.

6. Is the CogAT a required assessment?

No. Unlike the NJSLA, the CogAT is an optional local assessment. Parents/ Guardians can opt a student out of the assessment by writing directly to the principal and school testing coordinator (guidance counselor). If a student takes the assessment, more data points will be available when examining a student's learning profile for potential services. Opting a student out of the assessment will yield fewer data points when reviewing a student's learning profile.

7. What is the CogAT scoring process?

FLPS utilizes the publisher’s scoring service and thus, is dependent upon the vendor’s turnaround time with respect to score reporting. Once scored reports are received in the district, they are reviewed and Individual score reports are mailed home via U.S. Postal Service.

8. How do I Interpret the CogAT Score Report?

Parents, guardians and teachers can learn more about the CogAT by viewing "Getting to Know the CogAT" video from the publisher.

The CogAT Score Report that parents/ guardians receiving following CogAT administration provides detailed information about an individual student's learning profile. For support in understanding the score report, parents/ guardians should access the CogAT Interactive Ability Profile Interpretation System at: https://www.riversideinsights.com/apps/cogat, and refer to the student’s Score Report to populate the required fields.

Additionally, this publisher-produced video "Getting to Know CogAT Profiles" provides additional information to support interpretation.

9. Which CogAT form is used in Franklin Lakes Public Schools? Which level will my child take?

Students in Franklin Lakes Public Schools are assessed using the most recently normed (2017) versions of the CogAT. The publishers of CogAT provide guidance to school districts regarding appropriate test levels for specific grade levels. All grade 3 students will take level 9, a newly registered grade 4 student would take the level 10, and so on...

January 2024