I don't see how the SCAT could give more information than the other tests you have lined up, OTGM. Main reason for taking it is to be able to do some of the JHU programs.

thank you.

one more question. Is it possible to compare a student's SCAT scores to a potential school's scores?

I think the answer is no, but I'm not sure I understand the question. Compare to what kind of school scores?

I probably don't have any further knowledge to offer here - you could check the JHU SCAT talent search site.

What do you mean "potential school's scores"? Are you talking about the upcoming IQ testing? Keep in mind, these are totally different types of tests...as are achievement and IQ as well. Typically we would expect them to correlate together, but they are by their nature different.

However, in my own experience, I find the CTY cuts to be slightly above what I would call "MG". I think hitting the mean for other CTY testers is a good "touchy feely" for and MG cut of 95th-98th percentile. Exceeding that, and hitting their program levels is getting more into an HG range. Award levels are possibly HG+, but again that's just "touchy feely".

I do think that a child hitting CTY levels in both subject areas should test gifted (130+) on an IQ test, but not all do. It's possible too that the data lands in the opposite direction. I would expect an HG child in particular to easily hit their levels, but other factors are at play, including exposure, timed aspects, etc.

As always, my mantra is "the more data the better". The picture gets colored in with time.

Using CTY data though, I'm pretty fond of their own generic insights. Testing "above level" (and the years above level grows with age), they have three LOGs....

<50th ~ not likely hitting that "gifted" cut that requires services
50th-75th ~ Probably well served by pullout and enrichment programs
75th-90th ~ Smarter than just MG, with suggested extras like possible subject acceleration, etc
>90th ~ In need of radical changes

I find that data to be worthwhile regardless of anticipated program involvement (assuming the cost is not a hardship and the child is willing).

Sorry but I think I did not ask my question the right way.

I know of a school that does SCAT testing. This is a local private school (not a talent search. It is a school I am interested in my kids attending. If my DS had a SCAT test scores, could we see how he compared to the other students in his grade at a school that does SCAT testing? Someone told me this school is doing work 2 years ahead of our current school. I was wondering, could I use the scores as a way to see if this was the right school for him?

That's entirely possible if the school is willing to share the data. You will get raw scores as well as percentiles for the higher grade level (+2 years in your son's case), and if the same test version is used (4th-6th, "elementary" in your son's case), direct comparisons are possible. The testing is timed for CTY. I would verify that the timing is the same for the private school setting (20 minutes per half).

thank you. Dottie

Hmmm. I guess I hadn't thought of JHU's various levels that way. Here's an OT question for you, Dottie, or others, what do you think about the SAT for a 7th grader who has qualified for CTY (solidly in the 75th-90% range) in verbal (but not math) previously?

I'm debating whether or not to sign DD12 up - the SAT seems like an entirely different proposition to me than SCAT. She is willing to do it, though I haven't described the test in any detail so she may think differently when I do. We weren't able to take advantage of the camps & courses this past year but she is somewhat interested in them and it might work out this year.

If she's willing, I'd let her try. I have a similar dilema with DD12 (already signed up). She answered "yes" to a willingness to take it, but I haven't yet had a greatly needed talk with her. This talk will make clear that the expectation (particularly for her, though I won't focus on that) is NOT to finish. I want her to be clear on that going in, as it's highly doubtful that she has a chance in that regard. I do expect she'll do well on what she attempts, and I want to nurture that.

I guess if the child understands that parts of the testing are likely to be viewed as "impossible", and won't be discouraged by that, then sure....send 'em in! Each score tends to stand alone as well. DS first tested at barely 9, and he answered the verbal questions for something to do while waiting for the next math question. His verbal score was certainly not 'bad', but on its own...it did somewhat have that 'why on earth would you send a 9 year old in' aspect to it, .

I like to share something my DD15 told me recently. As a sophomore, many of her friends are starting to stress about the SAT. She shared that she was not at all stressed by that, as she knew what to expect based on her CTY testing experience. This alone was worth it for us!

My take on the CTY levels may be inaccurate. I know of personal examples that don't really fit the mold, and we always need to keep in mind that the SCAT in particular is VERY brief, and also subject to a "guessing bonus". We shouldn't read too much into any one score, be it high or low, especially if it doesn't fit the pattern of achievement/ability we see over time.

Yes, your DD15's thoughts are one of the things that make me think it would be a good thing for DD12 to try. But, it will be by far the hardest testing experience she has had. On the other hand, not sure what message I am sending if I don't sign her up...especially when she already feels like DS7 is catching up to her and he's signed up for SCAT.

I think I will have to draw that bell curve for her, even though we aren't in a one kid in DYS situation. Plus, let her know that just being offered a chance to take an above-level test is unusual.