Screening Process

Step 1 – Cognitive Testing

Beginning in the fall, all 2nd grade students participate in cognitive testing at their school site using the CogAT Screening Form.  Parents/Guardians will receive an email approximately two weeks before the scheduled test date with more details on testing information and the option to decline testing for their student, if desired.

Step 2 – Further Assessment and Cognitive Testing

We work with teachers and collect achievement data on all BSD 2nd grade students. Multiple data points are collected and analyzed to determine Advanced Learning needs.  Data to be collected and analyzed for each student may include the following:

• i-Ready Literacy
• i-Ready Math
• Literacy skills for students in multi-lingual language programs
• Report Cards

Notification and Authorization for Further Assessment

Parents of students moving forward to post screening will be notified via email by early spring and asked to provide authorization for their student to participate in additional testing with the CogAT Post-Screener.  Results will be analyzed along with previously collected data points by the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT).

Appeals are not accepted for students under Step 2 – Further Assessment.  

Step 3 – Decision

The Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) objectively reviews student data of all 2nd grade students to determine those who may be in need of specialized instruction.  The results are utilized to determine if there is a need for inclusion in advanced learning services.

Students performing in the range of current advanced learning students will be identified for advanced learning Domain-Specific services or Centered services.  All results and identification decisions will be sent to parents/guardians via email by the end of April. 

Appeals are accepted only at Step 3 – Decision.

Step 1 – Data Review

Beginning in the fall, we work with teachers and collect data on all BSD 5th grade students.  Multiple data points are collected and analyzed to determine Advanced Learning needs.  Data to be collected and analyzed for each 5th grade student may include the following:

• i-Ready Literacy
• i-Ready Math
• Smarter Balanced assessments
• Literacy skills for students in multi-lingual language programs
• Report Cards

 Notification and Authorization for Further Assessment

Parents of students whose data indicates consistent performance well-beyond grade level in reading and/or math will be notified via email by the end of October and asked to provide authorization for their student to participate in additional testing.  Results will be analyzed along with previously collected data points by the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT).

Appeals are not accepted for students under Step 1 – Data Review.  

Step 2 – Further Assessment and Cognitive Testing

Students participating in further assessment will be scheduled to take the CogAT at their school.  Parents/Guardians will receive an email approximately two weeks before the scheduled test date with more details on testing information.

Step 3 – Decision

Upon completion of further assessment, the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) will convene to review student data.  The MDT objectively reviews student achievement and cognitive testing results to determine those who may be in need of specialized advanced learning instruction.

Students performing in the range of current advanced learning students will be identified for advanced learning Domain-Specific Services or Centered Services.  All results and identification decisions will be sent to parents/guardians via email by the end of April.  

Appeals are accepted only at Step 3 – Decision.