How to talk to your child about assessment for the Quest program - Questions and answers

Oct 5, 2026

Uploaded by McGucket

Guidance for parents on how to explain the Quest program assessment to children, addressing common questions and reducing anxiety. Covers the purpose of assessment, where testing occurs, how long it takes, and how students take the tests (including computer-based processing and timing details for CogAT and MAP for first grade). Explains who participates, what to tell other students, whether results are pass/fail, and clarifies that special services do not prevent Quest recommendations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Questions students may ask

Why am I doing this assessment?

Where am I doing this assessment?

How long will this assessment take?

How will I do the test?

Who else will be doing the assessment?

What should I tell other students about testing?

Did I pass or fail the test?

I receive special services—does that affect Quest?

Do I have to study for this test?

What would I do if I pass the test?

How to talk to your child about assessment for the Quest program Here are some questions students might ask. Why am I doing this assessment? Where am I doing this assessment? How long will this assessment take? How will I do the test? Who else will be doing the assessment? What should I tell other students when asked about the testing? Did I “pass or fail” the test? I receive special services, does that mean I can’t be in Quest? Do I have to study for this test? What would I do if I “pass” the test? While not all students will be identified as gifted. All children are gifts. It is important that this be a positive experience for your child. If there are any questions or concerns your child has about this assessment please contact: Rob Nosbush, High Potential Services Coordinator, RNosbush@bhmschools.org or 763-682-8766 ----------------------------- Why am I doing this assessment? Rather than saying “You are so smart,” speak of the assessment in terms of finding how her mind makes connections. To be so smart can be a burden and is sometimes hard for a student to understand what smart even means. The assessment which is being done for the Quest program is to find out what types of needs a student has for learning. In some cases, a child’s specialized needs require an accommodation such as the Quest program. Most students do not need such an accommodation. Although the subject knowledge is important, students recommended for the Quest program make connections with that knowledge in a different way than other students. It is for this reason that the Quest program might be recommended. Regardless of what is found during the assessment, the data collected is shared with the classroom teacher in order to be sure your child continues to grow in whatever BHM classroom in which she is part. The recommendation team places each student in a classroom best suited to her needs. This classroom may or may not be part of the Quest program depending on the student. (back to top) Where am I doing this assessment? For most students the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) is the only extra assessment done. First grade students will also need to complete the Measures of Academic Progress ( MAP) . Testing is completed during separate sessions completed at his own building. (back to top) How long will this assessment take? Each of the three parts of the CogAT will take approximately 40 minutes. A schedule of testing days will be sent home with your child. First grade students will also complete the MAP test for reading and math. This isan untimed test and will depend on the student. (back to top) How will I do the test? Testing will be done on computer in order for results to be processed more quickly. (back to top) Who else will be doing the assessment? The number of students who are assessed at each building varies depending on the number of students who have requested assessment. Typically the older and younger students are split into separate groups in order to keep group sizes small. (back to top) What should I tell other students when asked about the testing? Students are naturally curious. When a classmate is absent or called out of class, other students will ask why. The assessment gives their next teacher information about the way they think and learn so students can simply say, “I am doing some testing to see how I learn.” (back to top) Did I “pass or fail” the test? The information gathered will be shared with your child’s next teacher regardless of their recommended placement in the Quest program or other classroom. This is a wonderful way to share with your child why the assessment is being done while not raising anxiety. Some children may feel they “failed,” because the recommended placement was not in the Quest program. Either way, this assessment will influence instruction next year. (back to top) The recommendation team looks at a portfolio of information, all of which help t

FAQs

Why is my child doing this assessment for the Quest program?

The assessment helps identify learning needs and how a student’s mind makes connections. It may support accommodations like Quest when specialized learning characteristics require them.

Where will the assessment take place and what tests are included?

Most students complete the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). First grade students also complete the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) in separate sessions at the student’s building.

Will students be told they passed or failed, and does that affect placement?

The information is shared with the next teacher regardless of placement. Some students may feel they “failed” if Quest is not recommended, but the results are used to guide instruction next year.

Oct 5, 2026

Uploaded by McGucket