In our last school district (which is very highly regarded) they automatically test all the first graders using the NNAT. Not sure what the cutoff is, but at 99% DS made it into the GATE program easily. Now at his new school district, entrance into the GATE program starts by referral either from the parents or teacher. Based on those opinions/scores they then would move onto OLSAT testing. After a conversation with the GATE coordinator I don't really think his NNAT score will carry much weight. So you're right Spirited Mama, I think it's thought of more as a preliminary screener. Hopefully he'll still make it. The tester did say that in her opinion his fidgeting is probably due to boredom and some more challenging work may be in order.
