Iowa and CogAT Testing
IOWA and CogAT Testing:
Over the next two weeks (September 14-September 25), our students will participate in standardized testing. This year, students in 3rd-8th grade will take both the IOWA and CogAT assessments. Students in Kindergarten-2nd grade will take the IOWA assessment only. The IOWA assessment is a norm-referenced achievement test that assesses students’ skills in Reading, Language, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science. The CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) measures reasoning skills with different types of verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal questions. Both assessments are used nationally and throughout the Diocese of Joliet.
Testing will take place daily, first thing in the morning, and regular classes will resume following testing. You can expect a lighter homework load and no other tests during these assessments, so students do not become overwhelmed. Tests are spread out over 3-5 days depending on the grade level; 3rd-8th grade students will begin testing on Monday, 9/14, and K-2nd grade students will begin later in the week (homeroom teachers can confirm testing schedules).
This year, all testing will take place online, using the students’ Chromebooks and iPads. To protect our technology and eliminate any concerns over additional eating and cleaning needed during testing, we will not be providing mints or allowing snacks during testing. Testing periods are short enough each day that we are confident students can complete the testing successfully without needing a snack break.
There is nothing your child can do to study for these tests. However, there are a few things you can do at home to help your children do their best on these assessments:
- Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep
- Make sure your child eats a healthy breakfast each morning
- Make sure your child is on time for school each day during testing
- Encourage your child to do his/her best each day
A separate email will be sent to virtual learners soon regarding testing.
3601