Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Identification, Testing & Assessment SCAT Ceremony - how much info & other questions

I have twin 2nd graders who took the SCAT and who want to know their scores. I am hesitant to share the actual scores with them, partly to spare DD's self-esteem and avoid reinforcing her negative feelings toward math.

However, we will likely go to the SCAT ceremony so I would need to reveal as much info as would become evident at that point. Anyhow, both DS and DD made the High Honor cut-off for Verbal but there is a substantial difference between the two scores (451 for DS versus 437 for DD) and only DS made the High Honor cut-off for Quantitative. Will the actual scores be noted anywhere and will it be obvious whether you qualify under one or both tests?

I am wondering if anyone understands the test enough to verify my conclusion regarding DS' relative ability in math. He scored the same in Quantitative as Verbal (both 451) even though he has been subject accelerated in Math (covered compacted 3rd & 4th grade curriculum as a 2nd grader) and so should have done much better in Quantitative. Doesn't his acceleration render the quantitative portion almost like an at level test? By scoring in the mid-nineties percentile compare to 4th graders, doesn't that point to DS not being particularly mathy?

CBK does it the same way Dottie mentioned. The kids are called up for honors or highest honors by grade, but no mention is made of which score on the test qualified them. The only ones that are mentioned specifically by category (math, reading, english, etc.) are for the kids with the highest scores in the region or state. At this past year's ceremony, the only kids for whom they mentioned the actual scores were kids who got perfect scores (i.e. a 25 on the EXPLORE as a 4th grader).

I was wondering the same thing about my DS. On the SCAT this year in 2nd grade, he scored 99 percentile in verbal, but mid 90s in math and he is very "mathy." I was surprised like you.

Sadly, we don't have a SCAT ceremony nearby, though.

Kate

Thanks!

[quote=Dottie] When we were there, they did NOT highlight kids per subject, rather just listed all of the winners, and called them up individually. I remember being slightly miffed that DS was NOT recognized as a dual winner, .

LOL. Actually, in my case I would prefer that they don't highlight the subject.

[quote=Dottie]As for the math, I think it's really hard to say at such a young age.

I know what you mean. All the math up to Algebra is rather basic so I am not persuaded that DS actually has long term math talent despite the school district's achievement testing results showing that he tested well up to three years ahead. I associate math talent with a visual spatial bent and DS is the opposite of visual spatial. He has so much problems (better now) with spatial orientation that he had trouble distinguishing between "b" and "d" even when he began reading Harry Potter level books at age six. Even now he still has trouble distinguishing left and right. I think DS will be fine with Algebra (was able to solve 3-step single variable equation intuitively before he was subjected accelerated this year) However, I think he might well encounter difficulties with geometry and trigonometry. One main reason why I am interested is so that I can decide whether further acceleration should be considered or whether we should steer his focus toward a different path.

I guess CTY does have an email contact who probably would answer those type of questions.

I know what you mean about the brevity of the test. DS only spent about 10 minutes on the quantitative section. The difference is that you know that your DS is mathy. I tend to go back and forth. Mostly, I just think that DS happens to be a bright verbal kid so that basic math comes easily.

I wish they do Explore testing around here, but CTY uses SCAT and SAT plus a visual spatial oriented battery.

Again, you already believe that your DS is mathy so it may just be that he didn't perform as well for some other reason.

That's a bummer. I didn't realize they offer the test in areas where there isn't a large population participating.