Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools: gifted testing

Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG)

All second graders take the CogAT each fall (the NNAT3 or another test is used for some multilingual or dual-language students). Students at or above the 85th percentile on the composite or any battery go on to achievement testing (Iowa or Logramos). In other grades, the school's AIG team can refer a student for screening, no more than once every 24 months.

Published criteria

• AIG identification: an aptitude score at the 95th percentile or higher (a battery or the composite) plus an achievement score at the 95th percentile or higher in the same subject (or the reading and math average). Highly gifted (HAG): aptitude composite plus achievement average totaling 195 or more. source
• Grade 2 AG pathway: at least two criteria including a starred one, such as aptitude at the 90th percentile (battery or composite) and achievement at the 90th percentile in reading and/or math. source
• Screening step: 85th percentile on the CogAT (composite or a battery) to go on to achievement testing. source

Appeals / retesting: Discuss the disagreement with the principal within 90 days of the AIG team's decision; then a formal written grievance to the principal (reply generally within 10 business days); then a written appeal to the Advanced Learning Director within five business days. NC law then allows a contested case hearing. If the school team declines a screening referral, parents may appeal to the Advanced Learning Director. source