Testing is often the first major step in the process of seeking challenging education for the gifted child. Advanced learners are identified in several ways, with test results complementing behavior surveys completed by parents and teachers. There are two main types of tests approved by the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) for the identification of gifted students: achievement tests and intelligence tests.
Achievement Tests
Achievement tests rank students academically in comparison to their peer group. They give results in core subjects, such as math and language arts, but may also give broader scores. These comprehensive exams must be open-ended, so that students are not restricted to a certain grade level of knowledge, and are allowed to perform at their highest ability level. Standardized versions that give wide-range results include:
- SATs
- ITBS
- SRA,
- MATs
Several other exams are designed specifically for assessing advanced students. These include the Screening Assessment for Gifted Elementary Students (SAGES) and the Test of Mathematical Abilities for Gifted Students.
Intelligence Tests
Intelligence tests, or ability tests, are the second type of exam and focus on a student’s overall intelligence level, or IQ. These assessments focus on everything from verbal reasoning to memory and processing speed. Some are better at presenting an overall picture of student strengths and weakness, and thus are preferred by some organizations and institutions. These tests may be administered in an individual or a group setting. For individual testing, the NAGC recommends:
- Stanford Binet (L-M)
- Woodcock Johnson
- Wescher Intelligence Scale for Children, 4th Edition
For groups the recommendation is:
- CogAT
- Hemmon-Nelson
- Ravens Progressive Matrices
- Otis-Lennon
- Matrix Analogies Test
Most students are examined in a group setting. Available testing depends heavily on the school district or admitting institution. When interpreting results, students should be compared to peers at the national level, but more weight should be based upon comparisons at the local level. Both intelligence and achievement testing can qualify students for gifted educational programs.
