The CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) - a Primer

•     What is the CogAT?

        The Cognitive Ability Test (CogAT) is a widely used group administered ability test.  First developed and published in 1954 as the Lorge-Thorndike Intelligence test, it has been revised several times over the years to its current version:  CogAT (Form 6).  It is published by Riverside Publishing Company.

 

• What is the purpose of the CogAT?

To measure and learn about students’ general and specific reasoning abilities:

"To assess students’ abilities in reasoning and problem solving using verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal (spatial) symbols."

 

"The general reasoning abilities reflect the overall efficiency of cognitive processes and strategies that enable individuals to learn new tasks and solve problems, especially in the absence of direct instruction." (pg. 1, CogAT Form 6, A Short Guide for Teachers, Riverside Publishing)

 

"The Cognitive Abilities Test measures developed abilities, not innate abilities. The development of these abilities begins at birth and continues through early adulthood. It is influenced by both in-school and out-of-school experiences." (pg. 1, CogAT Form 6, A Short Guide for Teachers, Riverside Publishing)
 

•     What is tested on the CogAT?

        The assessment consists of three batteries which measure three reasoning abilities: sequential reasoning, inductive reasoning, and quantitative reasoning.  

 

"CogAT measures students' abilities to reason with words, quantitative concepts, and nonverbal (spatial) pictures."  Riverside Publishing.

 

The subtests of the CogAT are:

 

Verbal Reasoning

•         verbal classification

•         sentence completion

•         verbal analogies

Figural Reasoning

•         figure classification

•         figure analogies

•         figure analysis

Quantitative Reasoning

•         quantitative relationships

•         number series

•         equation building

 

• How is the CogAT used?

The publisher lists three main uses for the Cognitive Abilities Test in its publication - CogAT Form 6 A Short Guide for Teachers:

1.     To provide instructors with the information they need to adapt instruction to the individual needs of the student.

2.     To provide a measure of cognitive development not represented by grades or other measures of school achievement.

3.     To identify students whose academic achievement is either lower or higher than would be expected based on their CogAT scores. 

Many parents and teachers understand the purpose of the CogAT as an entrance assessment or GATE exam, used to determine whether a child gains access to gifted, high achieving, or high ability programming at school.

 

 

 

References on the web:

 

Riverside Publishing website: www.riversidepublishing.com

CogAt, Form 6 - A Short Guide for Teachers  (PDF)

 

 

Resources for parent/child use:

 

Click on the link to access more detailed information by grade level, to view sample pages, and to place your order.

Contact us for specific recommendations for the children you care for.  As parents, who have used these resources for over 12 years, we are happy to guide you through your decision.

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