Out-of-level Standardized Testing

Posted by Carla Marie Boulianne Jul 19, 2008

Comprehensive gifted assessment generally includes an age appropriate IQ or ability test such as the Stanford Binet, Wescher, or Woodcock-Johnson, out-of-level testing designed for older students, and extensive interviews and history from both the student and his or her parents.

Above-level tests are an important component of gifted identification because in-grade tests lump together a broad range of abilities in the upper few percentiles. A good way to discern who really needs more challenge is to spread out this high performing cohort with a more difficult test.

Out-of-level testing occurs in group settings though Talent Identification Programs (TIP). TIP is a two-part process. Students are screened for TIP candidacy by performance at or above the 95th-97th%ile on a nationally-normed standardized test. Schools often notify families of TIP candidacy with achievement test result reporting. Students may also participate in out-of-level testing through parent or teacher nomination.

The next step is for students to take an aptitude or achievement test designed for older students, such as the EXPLORE, ACT, or SAT test. Those scoring well can participate in on-going university gifted programs and often receive state recognition.

Out-of-level testing for gifted student identification is a well-established practice first developed in the 1970s. If your child is gifted verbally or mathematically, out-of-level testing is a great tool for finding out what your gifted child already knows and is ready to learn.

We helped our daughter prepare for her gifted assessment by letting her know that some questions would be easy and others very difficult. We told her not knowing all the answers was okay because it would help her teachers know what she was ready to learn so that they wouldn’t bore her with easy stuff. Her experience was very positive. She had fun and wasn't frustrated even when test questions were hard.