Can Anyone She Light on These CogAT Scores?

I can see why the scores would be confusing because they are reported as percentiles and stanines rather than an IQ score. Your son did very well indeed. A 98th percentile essentially means that he scored better than 98 percent of the children his age and grade upon whom this test was normed. If his overall score was at the 98th percentile, he would be in the top 3% which is what it takes in most school systems to be considered in the gifted range. Your son's score is approximately like a score of 130 on an IQ test, but this is an estimate based upon which type of test he has taken. 127 and above, or the 97th percentile and above, is considered gifted under most state's guidelines.

Just remember, that while being bright and having that stimulated is great, there are many bright people who aren't really good people. I raised two "gifted" children, but it was just as important to me that they turn out to be decent human beings who cared about others and had strong ethics. Both of mine have turned out that way and I'm really grateful.

It sounds like his scores were well above average--the 92-99 scores are percentiles, meaning he scored better than 92-99 percent of other children taking the same test. The stanine #'s are probably in reference to a bell curve they use to standardize the scores. His #'s were again, at the top of the curve. When they're talking about a gifted child's score being 130-that's probably in reference to their IQ score (which this test didn't test). I'm not sure why it would be included in the scores. Looking at those test scores, I would definately talk to your school about testing him for your district's gifted program. Hopefully that helps a bit-it's very confusing, isn't it!

In our school district the 2nd grade CogAT scores are used to identify students for the gifted program. Your son's score of 98 would automatically qualify him for the program (if you consented). If you do not hear from the school offering this service, then you need to contact them to discuss, as their system for qualifying may be different.

We are waiting for our son's(he's 6 and in Kindergarten)IQ results. Testing was recommended for him, for the gifted program, by his teacher. We knew he was bright and definately learned quickly, etc. He's a funny, bright boy, who socially is in the right class. Most of our kids need the social part of school. But, to consider the right school setting. It is challenging for him at times because the other kids don't always "get" his questions or comments. He's a bit quirky, but hey! aren't we all?!

Just be an advocate for your son. Make sure he is challenged and stimulated. There is nothing more tragic than a bored, gift child........who we lose to apathy!
Good for your son. Hats off to you for investigating for him. Give him the best school situation you can! Good Luck!!
p.s. to all parents~ push for adequate funding for gifted programs, not just for those with special needs. All our children are special and have needs! :)

When talking about percentiles an easy way to think about them is this...Out of 100 children, your son scored better than ___ (insert number here) of them. So if his percentile was 99, it would be "Out of 100 children, your son scored better than 99 of them". This is how we explain percentiles to parents at school (I am a speech therapist). The gifted score of 130 you read about is probably a standard score - were there any of those listed anywhere? Either way, sounds like your son is doing well.