Johnston County Public Schools: gifted testing

Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG)

The CogAT is the universal screener. In 2025-26 it was given to third graders in the fall and second graders in the spring; after that the district gives it only to second graders, in the spring. Screening for identification starts at the 85th percentile, and identification generally needs the 90th percentile in ability and achievement plus classroom evidence.

Published criteria

• The bar is the 90th percentile, but scores are never the only factor. AI: a composite at the 90th percentile or higher plus a 90th percentile trend in reading and math. IG: a composite at the 97th percentile or higher. AR/AM: a battery at the 90th percentile or higher plus 90th percentile achievement in the matching subject. source
• Screening begins at the 85th percentile (age and local percentiles). A composite at the 97th percentile or higher triggers a formal referral. source

Appeals / retesting: Step 1: a written request for a conference with the principal and AIG Site Review Team within 30 days of the team's decision. Step 2 and later: appeal upward as set out in the plan's procedures to resolve disagreement; NC law then allows a contested case hearing. source