PreK-1 Testing and Qualifications

Thank you for your interest in the Highly Gifted (HG) Program at Rogers Park Elementary. More information and referrals for testing can be requested by contacting the Administrative Assistant, Amy Jettenberg at jettenberg_amy@asdk12.org or (907)742-3795.

Qualification Requirements for the Highly Gifted Program Kindergarten and 1st Grade:

• Children must be at least five years old, be able to read short passages, and respond to basic comprehension questions.
• Typically, these students perform at least two grade levels higher than their age group peers.
• Testing begins with a cognitive ability assessment.
  • A qualifying score is at or above the 98^th percentile and must be met to continue with the achievement testing.
• Next is the achievement assessments.
  • A qualifying score is at or above the 96^th percentile in reading.
  • Student must be at grade level or above in math skills.

If both the ability and achievement score requirements are met, the student is invited to join the Highly Gifted program at Rogers Park Elementary School.

About the Assessments:

The cognitive ability assessments measure critical thinking skills such as logic, reasoning, advanced vocabulary and analogous thinking. It includes a verbal, non-verbal, and quantitative battery. The verbal battery assesses verbal reasoning retrieval and comparison processes such as analogies, picture classification and vocabulary.  The quantitative battery assesses reasoning about patterns and relations using concepts essential in quantitative reasoning, number puzzles, number patterns and number series. 

Achievement tests measure reading and math skills.  Students must be able to read and do math computations.  

Testing is administered one-on-one or in a small group.

We take breaks during the testing process.

There is no real preparation for testing other than to offer your child enriching experiences, nurture your child’s diverse interests, and encourage your child to make their best effort. As in any testing situation make sure your child is well-rested, well-fed, and relaxed.

A few of the characteristics common to many advanced learners:

• Enjoys learning and is a self-motivated learner
• Learns after a few exposures or repetitions – quick mastery as compared to peers
• Has an advanced vocabulary
• Is an avid reader
• Completes complex math calculations
• Reads and interpret graphs
• Analyzes and synthesizes information

Information regarding next steps for testing can be found here.