1. St. Theresa Catholic School CogAT & Iowa Assessments
Parent information

2. OVERVIEW Testing dates
Purpose, Importance, and Benefits of the CogAT –
Cognitive Abilities Test & Iowa Test of
Basic Skills (ITBS)
CogAT & Iowa Content Areas
How is St. Theresa preparing the students?
Tips for parents
Test Results
Q & A

3. Important Changes
STANDARDIZATION is key in standardized testing!
CogAT and Iowa Assessments will only be administered:
Monday, April 11th- Thursday, April 21st
Make-up testing will be limited to afternoons during this same testing window
Make-up testing time will be reserved for EXCUSED absences ONLY

4. TESTING DATES CogAT – Cognitive Abilities Test
April 11th - April 15th
Kindergarten – 7th grade
Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)
April 18th – April 21st
Kindergarten – 8th grade

5. CogAT – COGNITIVE ABILITIES TEST
Tests student ABILITY
Assesses the level of understanding, reasoning, and problem-solving skills of students in three different areas:
1. Verbal
2. Quantitative
3. Non-verbal

6. CogAT - (Cont’d)
Results of CogAT are generally used to predict the success of students in school
Helps teachers understand and adapt to their student’s needs
CogAT does not gauge other factors like:
-motivation
-effort
-work habits

7. IOWA TESTS OF BASIC SKILLS (ITBS)
Measures basic skills
Assesses student achievement and educational development
Helps determine how students are performing on nationwide standards
Helps teachers identify a student’s strengths and areas for growth
Measures student annual growth and progress
Helps teachers guide and plan instruction

8. ITBS – Content Area
Kindergarten: Reading, Language, Vocabulary, Word Analysis, Listening, and Mathematics
Grades First-Second: Reading, Language, Vocabulary, Word Analysis, Listening, Mathematics, Computation, Social Studies, and Science
Third Grade: Reading, Written Expression, Conventions of Writing, Vocabulary, Word Analysis, Listening, Mathematics, Computation, Social Studies, and Science
Grades Fourth-Eighth: Reading, Written Expression, Conventions of Writing, Vocabulary, Mathematics, Computation, Social Studies, and Science

9. USING CogAT & ITBS TOGETHER
Comparing the CogAT and the ITBS can:
help identify if a student is working to their ability level
identify a student’s strengthens and weaknesses
help teachers adapt instruction to fit student needs.
This information enables teachers to provide every opportunity for each child’s success.

10. Miscellaneous Information
All questions and answers (except for Reading Part 2) are read aloud by the teacher for Kindergarten students
All questions and answers (except for Vocabulary and Reading Parts 1 and 2) are read aloud by the teacher for 1st and 2nd grade students
All other grades (3rd-8th) read all sections on their own

11. PREPARING STUDENTS
Students have practiced test-taking strategies throughout the year
Students will take practice CogAT and ITBS tests in the classrooms
Teachers talk to their students about the upcoming tests
Teachers and students discuss coping with anxiety and tips for being good test takers
Teachers do not teach to the test. Teachers teach the curriculum.

12. The best thing you can do as a parent:
Tips for Parents
The best thing you can do as a parent:
Provide positive support by expressing confidence in your child’s ability to do their best!
Remind them that a test can be their chance to SHINE, but it’s also just a snapshot of how they perform on 1 day of their life.
Test days:
Provide a calm and stress-free environment each morning as your child gets ready for school
Get up in plenty of time to avoid morning rush and anxiety
Curtail nighttime extra-curricular activities & outings that may interfere with their regular bedtime routine

13. Encourage your child to…
Get plenty of rest each night
Eat a good breakfast
Relax… don’t fret, but try hard to do your best
Listen carefully and follow directions
Read directions and questions carefully
Think before you answer
Don’t rush… but be aware of how much time is left
Try to answer EVERY question (best guess is better than a blank)
Check over your work when finished

14. TEST RESULTS
Test results should be available in May. Test results will be distributed once we have received them. You can schedule a conference to discuss results with the teacher at that time.

15. Thank you for your time and continued support.
Q & A
Thank you for your time and continued support.