Universal Screening - Kindergarten

Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD proactively identifies potentially gifted and talented (G/T) students in kindergarten through universal assessments and screenings. These evaluations help determine which students may benefit from additional assessments for G/T services. Notably, CFBISD conducts these assessments for all kindergarten students, eliminating the need for separate referral forms.

Universal screening is a systematic assessment of all students in a grade level to identify students with exceptional ability or potential. It's a best practice in gifted education that helps identify students from underrepresented populations, English Language Learners, and students with special needs. Universal screening can help identify students who may need additional instruction or enrichment, and what type.

CFBISD conducts a universal assessment for all kindergarten students during the fall semester. This assessment utilizes the Naglieri General Ability Tests (NGAT) and replaces the traditional ability assessment, which previously required a formal referral from parents or staff members for grades K-5 to be considered for gifted and talented (G/T) services.

Universal Assessments utilize cognitive ability tests to evaluate a student's cognitive strengths relative to their peers. These assessments, measure a student's inherent reasoning and problem-solving abilities, independent of prior instruction or learned knowledge. It is crucial to avoid any form of test preparation, including study guides or practice materials. These can artificially inflate scores and hinder the ability to accurately assess a student's true cognitive potential.

The purpose of this assessment is to identify students who demonstrate a need for advanced learning services.

ALL kindergarten students take the Naglieri General Ability Tests below.

Naglieri Verbal (V)

The Naglieri-V test uses universally recognized pictures that are appropriate across cultures, representing verbal concepts, rather than presenting questions orally or in writing. The test questions require students to understand the relationships among six pictures to determine what verbal concept is shared by five of the pictures and which does not represent the concept.

Naglieri Nonverbal (NV)

The Naglieri-NV test is comprised of questions that are presented using diagrams and pictorial formats. These questions require the students to decipher the logic behind the relationships among shapes, their color, sequences, orientation, etc. to determine which option completes the pattern.

Naglieri Quantitative (Q)

The Naglieri-Q test is composed of questions that are presented using numbers and shapes arranged in a pattern. The test items require students to examine the relationship, patterns, and sequences among numbers and/or symbols using basic math concepts. There are no math word problems so the items can be solved regardless of one's language(s).

The Naglieri General Ability Tests are automatically scored using the MHS Group Insights platform. Test results will be available after the testing window closes and all data has been thoroughly reviewed.

Please remember that the test content is confidential. Therefore, specific questions from the assessment may not be discussed.

CFB uses a Standard Score to describe a student's performance on the NGAT assessment.

• What it means: A Standard Score is a way to compare a student's performance to a large group of other students of the same age who have taken the same test.

  • It allows for a standardized way to understand how a student's score falls within a normal distribution of scores.
  • This helps educators and parents understand whether a student's performance is average, above average, or below average compared to their peers.

• Key features:

  • Mean of 100: The average score is set at 100.
  • Standard Deviation: Scores are typically distributed around the mean with a standard deviation of 15.
    • This means that about 68% of students will score between 85 and 115.

By using Standard Scores, CFB can more accurately interpret a student's performance on the NGAT and make informed decisions regarding potential gifted and talented services.

Student performance is thoroughly reviewed once all NGAT testing is completed. All test scores are subsequently uploaded to the AWARE system for parents' easy access. Parents/guardians will be contacted by the school if their child's NGAT scores suggest potential giftedness. This notification will inform them that further steps will be taken to determine if their child demonstrates a need for Gifted & Talented (G/T) services.

Students showing potential will undergo a formal evaluation process. This evaluation will involve gathering a variety of information, including both qualitative and quantitative data, to comprehensively assess their strengths and needs.

For students who are identified as eligible for Advanced Academics services, the department will send a score sheet and a general information letter within a few weeks. This will follow the completion of testing and the final determination made by the Admissions, Review, and Exit (ARE) Committee.

To maintain test reliability, the NGAT is administered only once per school year. However, recognizing that a child's potential can evolve, students who do not qualify for G/T services in kindergarten can be referred for evaluation in the subsequent year by either parents or school staff.

Students identified through Kindergarten Universal Screening will be served by March 1st of current year. Students will be assigned a "1" designation within the TEAMS system. Consideration for placement in advanced academics (1EM), advanced Language Arts (1E), or advanced math (1M) programs may occur during a first-grade fall review.

CFBISD utilizes a 'cluster group' model to provide G/T services in all elementary schools.

Within this model, scholars remain in their regular kindergarten classroom, ensuring a strong foundation in social-emotional learning and a sense of belonging. Simultaneously, they will participate in dedicated learning experiences with a small group of other gifted learners. These enriched activities will be specifically designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and in-depth learning.

The cluster group model allows children to access specialized instruction while maintaining the benefits of a supportive and inclusive classroom environment.

Who do I contact if I cannot see my child's NGAT Universal screening scores in Parent Self Serve?

Please contact the CFBISD Help Desk at 972.968.4357.

Who can answer questions about my student's testing?

Your campus counselor or G/T specialist can answer questions regarding the assessment process for your scholar.

Who can answer questions about how my student is being served in class?

Your child's teacher can answer questions about how services are being provided during their school day.

My child's NGAT scores did not meet the criteria to move forward for full assessment. What can I do?

Parents can refer their child for GT screening again next year. It's important to remember that not qualifying for formal GT services this year does not mean your child won't benefit from challenging learning experiences. Teachers continuously monitor student progress and adjust their instruction to meet the diverse needs of all learners. They have access to various strategies and resources to challenge all students, regardless of their GT identification. We encourage you to discuss with your child's teacher how they are addressing your child's individual learning needs and providing appropriate challenges.

My child did not qualify last time they were tested. Can they be tested again?

Yes, students may test once per academic year to determine if they qualify for gifted services. In deciding if you should refer your child multiple times, consider the child's instructional needs and their response to over testing. Sometimes students internalize this as a failure because they do not understand the nature of this kind of assessment and process.

CFBISD Advanced Academics Department

Educational Services Division Complex (ESDC)
Bldg. A
1820 Pearl St.
Carrollton, TX 75006