Canadian Cognitive Abilities Test (CCAT) Administration 2021-22 - Special Education Advisory Committee Decision

Sep 30, 2026

Overview of implementing the universal screener for Grade 4 students in Peel for the 2021-2022 school year using the Canadian Cognitive Abilities Test (CCAT) 7th edition (CCAT 7). Describes annual screening timelines, administration by classroom and online teachers, and exemption categories. Includes equity and human rights impact analysis, policy alignment with Ontario direction, resource implications and risk considerations, and outlines next steps with actions required to guide programming based on CCAT scores.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time30 min

AccessFree to download

Purpose

Context and Administration

Exemptions

Impact Analysis

Equity & Human Rights Review

Policy/Program Memorandum and Directive Alignment

Resource Implications

Risk Assessment

Next Steps

10.5 Special Education Advisory Committee, November 16, 2021 Canadian Cognitive Abilities Test (CCAT) Administration 2021-22 Strategic Alignment: Directive 9: Eliminating disparities in achievement of students from the Board’s various communities. Set high expectations for staff and students. Decision(s) Required: Receipt Prepared by: Craig Cooper, Coordinating Principal, Student Learning Support Services, Advancing Equity and Inclusion Nora Green, Coordinator, Staff Development Richard Lyle, Special Education Resource Teacher, K-12 Gifted Submitted by: Shirley-Ann Teal, Associate Director Instruction & Equity (Acting) Content Purpose: To provide an overview of the implementation of the universal screener, using the Canadian Cognitive Abilities Test, 7th edition (CCAT 7), for grade four students in Peel for the 2021-2022 school year. Context: Each year, as outlined in the Board’s Special Education Plan, and in line with Ontario Policy/Program Memorandum 11 (‘Early identification of children’s learning needs) , the Board conducts a universal screening for students in grade 4. The universal screening is completed using the CCAT 7 and takes place in the late fall (usually in November or early December) . This year’s CCAT administration dates take place between November 22nd and December 3rd, 2021. Schools administer the CCAT 7 to their students in grade 4 over multiple days. The CCAT 7 is administered by the classroom teacher, with assistance from school support staff to provide accommodations support for those students who require it. For students who are currently learning online, the CCAT 7 will be administered by their online teacher through a remote administration process. Some students are exempted from the CCAT 7 administration. This includes students who have already had a psychoeducational assessment completed prior to the administration date (i.e. , those students for whom the Board already has cognitive scores and data which are used to program for the student’s learning profile) . Additionally, English Language Learners (ELLs) currently working at Steps 1 to 3 in Reading are also exempted from completing the CCAT 7 , asthe CCAT 7 results would not be considered a reliable assessment of the student’s abilities. The parent(s)/guardian(s) of students who are exempted can contact the Principal of their child’s school to discuss the exemption, and request that their child complete the CCAT 7 despite the recommendation that they are exempted. Those results are then hand-scored by school staff after the CCAT 7 is completed. Impact Analysis Equity & Human Rights Review • The use of the CCAT 7 as a universal screening tool has contributed to an underrepresentation in identifications of Gifted around disproportionalities among Black, Indigenous, and students of colour, as identified in the Report on the Gifted Identification Process (2020) • We continue to review the use of the CCAT 7 as a measure for screening for exceptionalities for all students. Board or Ministry Policy Alignment The following Board and Ministry of Education documents establish the need for an annual screening measure for students: • Policy/Program Memorandum 11 , Early identification of children’s learning needs • PDSB Special Education Plan • Minister of Education’s Directives to the Peel District School Board, specifically Directives 9 and 14 Resource Implications Central Special Education staff are currently looking for information around the annual cost of the CCAT 7 administration as part of the universal screening process. This cost includes, but may not be limited to: • Costs of administering the assessment (Nelson Education Ltd. Scoring services , consumable score sheets, extra testing booklets , etc. ) • School office assistants time to distribute CCAT 7 materials • Teaching staff time to administer batteries of tests (3x 30 minutes, 1h 30 mins total) • The additional time needed by

FAQs

What is the purpose of using CCAT 7 for Grade 4 students in 2021-2022?

To provide an overview and implementation plan for a universal screener using CCAT 7 for Grade 4 students in Peel during the 2021-2022 school year.

When and how is the CCAT 7 administered?

Administration occurs between November 22 and December 3, 2021, typically in late fall, and is delivered over multiple days by classroom teachers with support staff; online students complete it through remote administration by their online teacher.

Which students are exempt from the CCAT 7 administration?

Students with prior psychoeducational assessments completed before the administration date are exempt, and English Language Learners working at Steps 1 to 3 in Reading are also exempt because CCAT 7 results are not considered reliable for their abilities.

Sep 30, 2026

Upload by iuabcfuw