Testing and Identification      Testing Process   BCSC administers two different types of tests to assist our Identification Committee in identifying high ability students.  The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) tests a students potential abilities in English/Language Arts and math.  The Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)  tests a student's knowledge of reading and math.       Guidelines     Kindergarten Testing   Kindergarten students will be tested in the spring using the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT).  This test will identify potential indicators for high ability in math and English/language arts.      Testing for Identification in Elementary 4-6 Grade High Ability Program   Current BCSC Students test fall of their 3rd grade year may retest one (1) time during an open testing session offered between June prior to their 4th grade year and January of their 5th grade year  current 5th grade students may NOT test in the summer before their 6th grade year Move-Ins After 3rd Grade Fall Testing  May test two (2) times* during an open testing session offered between June prior to their 4th grade year and January of their 5th grade  year  * exception - a student that moves into the district during their 3rd grade year, but after the fall testing, may test during January open testing of their 3rd grade year and still retest one (1) more time Non-BCSC Students May tests two (2) times during an open testing session offered between January of their 3rd grade year and January of their 5th grade year  There is a $25 charge to take the High Ability Test.  Cash or check made out to: BCSC Fund 2949

No current 5th grade student may test in June for placement into the 6th grade High Ability Program

 Current BCSC Students 

• test fall of their 6th grade year
• may retest one (1) time during an open testing session office between June prior to their 7th grade year and June prior to their 8th grade year

Move-Ins After 6th Grade Fall Testing 

• may test two (2) times* during open testing sessions offered between June prior to their 7th grade year and June prior to their 8th grade year
  
  *exception - a student that moves into the district during their 6th grade year, but after fall testing, may test during January open testing of their 6th grade year and still retest one (1) more time 

• may test two (2) times during an open testing session offered between January of their 6th grade year and June prior to their 8th grade year 
• there is a $25 charge to take the High Ability Tests.  Cash or check made out to: BCSC Fund 2949

Identification Process   

 

BCSC follows the Indiana definition of a high ability student as one who "performs at or show the potential to perform at an outstanding level of accomplishment in math and/or English/Language Arts when compared to others."

 

• Through Potential - scoring in the 96th percentile or above on the CogAT in quantitative reasoning or in a composite measure of quantitative/nonverbal reasoning
• Through Performance - if a student scores in the 94th - 95th percentile on the CogAT, then the ITBS math section score is reviewed.  If that score is above the 96th percentile, then the student will be identified
• Through additional information - portfolio

For High Ability Identification in English/Language Arts:

• Through Potential - scoring in the 96th percentile or above on the CogAT in verbal reasoning
• Through Performance - if a student scores in the 94th - 95th percentile on the CogAT, then the ITBS E/LA section score is reviewed.  If that score is above the 96th percentile, then the student will be identified
• Through additional information - portfolio 

 

 Each student scoring in the 85th - 95th percentile on the CogAT will have a portfolio compiled.  The portfolio will contain: test scores, a writing sample, an open ended math problem and a teacher rating scale/recommendation.  The Identification Committee, made up of teachers, school counselors and school administrators, will evaluate each student's portfolio.  The student will either not be identified, be identified as High Ability in math and English/language arts, be identified as High Ability in math only or be identified as High Ability in English/language arts only.  

 

Students identified as High Ability in both math & ELA will be offered placement in the Self-Contained High Ability Program - also known as the Academic Challenge (AC) Program.   Students identified as E/LA only or Math only will be offered high ability services at their home school.   All students who participated in any of the testing will be notified by mail.  All students that test in the Fall or January will receive their notification letter  prior to spring break. Students that test in June will receive their letter by July 31. Appeals Process 

 

All students may appeal the Identification Committee's decision.  If you wish to appeal, you will need to visit the BCSC website and locate and fill out the appeal form.  The Appeals Committee, made up of teachers, school counselors and administrators, will re-evaluate the student's portfolio.  They will either grant the appeal and change the identification, deny the appeal or schedule an interview with the student.  If your child is identified as High Ability in both E/LA & Math, they will be offered placement in the Self-Contained High Ability Program - also known as the AC Program.  If your appeal is denied, the decision making process ends for that student. If an interview is granted, the Interview Committee, made up of teachers, school counselors and administrators, will meet with the student for an informal interview. The student does not need to bring anything to the interview.  After the interview, the committee will either uphold the Identification Committee's decision or the student will be identified as High Ability in both English/Language Arts and Math, High Ability in English/Language Arts only or High Ability in Math only. Students identified as High Ability in both math and ELA will be offered placement in the Self-Contained High Ability Program - also known as the AC Program. This ends the decision making process for the student.   If you would like more information or if you have any questions, please contact the High Ability Coordinator by email fosterwe@bcsc.k12.in.us  or phone (812) 314-3843