Pennsauken Public Schools - Gifted and Talented (G&T) Information - CogAT Identification Process

Oct 5, 2026

Uploaded by Callum

Pennsauken School District shares key details for its Gifted and Talented (G&T) identification process and the upcoming Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) administration. All students in grades K–7 will take CogAT in May and June, with results shared in July, and new students testing in early September. The district emphasizes universal screening plus a multiple-measures approach, using various assessment data, recommendations, and student work samples. A service continuum is outlined, along with key dates, a parent information session, and an appeals timeline.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Gifted and Talented Overview

CogAT Assessment and Universal Screening

Approach to G&T Identification

Vision and Service Continuum

Programming Timeline and Key Dates

Parent Information Session

Appeals and Questions

PENNSAUKEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS ADMINISTRATION OFFICES James R. Bevere, Ed. D. Superintendent of Schools Lisa Eckel President – Board of Education Anastasia Michals Assistant Superintendent Dear Pennsauken School District Families, As part of our commitment to meeting the diverse academic needs of all learners, we are writing to share important information about our Gifted and Talented (G&T) identiﬁcation process and the upcoming administration of the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) . The CogAT Assessment and Universal Screening At the end of this school year, all students in grades K–7 will participate in the CogAT assessment in May & June. CogAT results will be shared with families in July. For students new to the district, a fall testing window will be available from September 8–11. The CogAT measures students’ reasoning and problem-solving abilities across verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal domains. Unlike traditional achievement tests, it is designed to identify students’ potential to learn, not just what they have already been taught. We have intentionally selected the CogAT as the ﬁrst step in our identiﬁcation process because it allows us to provide a universal screening opportunity for all students, identify learners who demonstrate advanced thinking skills, and ensure a more equitable and inclusive process for all families. Our Approach to Gifted & Talented Identiﬁcation In alignment with the New Jersey Strengthening Gifted and Talented Education Act, Pennsauken School District is committed to ensuring equitable access to advanced learning opportunities for all studentsincluding multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and students from culturally and economically diverse backgrounds. To ensure a fair and comprehensive process, we use a multiple-measures approach. No single assessment- including the CogAT- is used to determine eligibility. Instead, a committee reviews a range of data to develop a full picture of each student’s strengths and potential. This may include: ● State and local assessment data ( NJSLA, i-Ready, LinkIt!, AIMSweb) ● Teacher and parent recommendations ● Student work samples and other indicators of advanced performance Our Vision and Continuum of Gifted & Talented Services Our vision for Gifted and Talented services in Pennsauken is to cultivate curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of learning by providing students with opportunities to engage in rigorous, meaningful, and creative work. 1695 Hylton Road Pennsauken, NJ 08110 (856) 662-8505 ext. 6509 [anastasia.michals@pennsauken.net](anastasia.michals@pennsauken.net) To support this vision, Pennsauken School District provides a continuum of services across grade levels: ● Grades K–3: ○ Differentiated instruction within the general education classroom ○ Weekly pull-out services, project-based learning experiences designed to foster curiosity and advanced thinking ○ Whole-class enrichment opportunities to ensure all students can engage in higher-level learning ● Grades 4–5: ○ Continued differentiated instruction within the classroom ○ Access to accelerated coursework and advanced academic opportunities, such as our STEAM program at Roosevelt School ○ A dedicated instructional period focused on inquiry, project-based learning, creativity, and problem-solving ○ Opportunities for both independent and collaborative learning ● Middle School and High School: ○ Differentiated instruction within academic classes ○ Access to accelerated coursework, including Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses ○ Instruction designed to promote higher-level thinking, inquiry, creativity, and real-world problem-solving Programming Timeline Final placement decisions for the 2026-2027 school year will be completed by September 18, and Gifted and Talented programming will begin on Monday, September 28, 2026. Parent Information Session To provide additional information and answer qu

FAQs

When will students take the CogAT, and when will families receive results?

All grades K–7 students take the CogAT in May and June, and results are shared with families in July. Students new to the district test during a fall window from September 8–11.

How does Pennsauken determine eligibility for Gifted and Talented services?

No single assessment, including the CogAT, determines eligibility. A committee reviews multiple measures, including state/local assessment data, teacher and parent recommendations, and student work samples and other indicators of advanced performance.

What are the start and placement decision dates for the 2026–2027 school year?

Final placement decisions will be completed by September 18, 2026. Gifted and Talented programming begins Monday, September 28, 2026.

Oct 5, 2026

Uploaded by Callum