Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums GT Research A correlation between above level tests and IQ scores?

Hi WG -
Your wish is my command ((wink))

It seems to me that above level tests could be used as an inexpensive "foot in the water" in place of IQ scores, which are expensive and distrusted by schools. Does anyone know of any research correlating kids with higher than 1SD scores compared to the agemates who took the above level test and HG or PG scores on IQ tests?

Trinity

There does need to be a better "screening" tool. The only thing that worries me about using something other than IQ tests is they won't necessarily help pick out the 2e kiddos.

Can't answer your question re: SD and HG or PG scores.

The interesting part is that IQ tests claim that they weren't developed to differentiate amoung the highest IQ scores. Talent searches were.
Curious, no?
Trinity

given that schools are really more interested in finding needs at the other end of the scale, then it isn't surprising as schools are the customer the IQ test companies go after.

i gotta find a talent search for my youngins, who are gettin on my nerves tonight with their rivalry in high gear....grrrrrrr.

JHU SCAT????

JHU - John Hopkins University's CTY, The are the local talent search for most of the NorthEast USA.

CTY - Center for Talented Youth

SCAT - an achievement or aptitiude test. When it's given Nationally to, say, 5th graders, it's an achievement test, but it's used by JHU for children 2 grades younger than the suggested group as an above-level aptitude test.

Hence my oft-repeated: "It's not that he knows as much as a 7th graders, it's that he's ready to learn what kids aren't usually ready to learn until 7th grade."

I may have some of the details wrong - so corrections please - most of the insight I got into above level tests is from reading the Iowa Acceleration Scale Manual, which I think is one of the best "Gifted 201" books around, independent of one's feelings about grade skipping.

Smiles -
Trinity

is there a way to take the SCAT if you don't live in the region where it's used for talent searches?

i'd love to have my boys take it.

WG
If you don't have SCAT in your area, your talent search probably uses another similar above level ability test. Which region are you in?
Trin

Willa Gayle,

The Prometric testing centers are located all over the place (do you have a Sylvan Learning Center near you?). I still had to drive 3 hrs each way, but my boys were very appreciative and we made a day of it. http://www.prometric.com/Default.htm
The way to "get" to test is through the talent searches. In order to get into a talent search to register for a test, your child either has to have IQ test data, tested high on standardized tests that schools give in the spring, or get a teacher's recommendation/portfolio. Once you meet that criteria and a small fee, you're given the opportunity to take "advanced level" tests. I don't think you can just register to take the test on your own. The SCAT is expensive (maybe $80) plus johns hopkins fee of maybe $25. The test is short (about 45 minutes or less). This is a good start for 2-6th grades. The EXPLORE test used by Duke TIP and Rocky Mt Talent Search is for 5th-6th graders, takes about 2.5 hrs, and costs $56 (plus talent search fee). After 6th grade, it's SAT/ACT, but going through the talent searches is a good idea because they give you a report showing how your kid did compared to the rest of the population. Very cool.

Here's info on correlating IQ to testing

http://www.davidsongifted.org/db/Articles_id_10120.aspx