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Assessment, Eligibility & Appeals

Assessments, Eligibility & Appeals

NOTES FOR ALL TESTING SESSIONS:

  • Within the first few weeks of the new school year, we test most new-to-district students in grades 1, 2, 4, 5 & 6 (except the Open Classroom).  No testing of kindergarten or any 3rd grade students at this time as they test in January.
  • In January of each year, we test almost all SLCSD gradewide kindergarten and 3rd grade students attending a SLCSD school (except the Open Classroom).
  • In January of each year, we we test any kindergarten and 3rd grade students not currently attending a SLCSD school, includng the Open Classroom.
  • In January of each year, we test any 6th & 7th grade students for middle school Magnet.  
  • No other students are tested.
  • For students who are tested in a given year, they can only test once in a 12-month period.  So, as an example, if your new-to-district 6th grader tests at the beginning of the school year, they cannot retest in January. 
  • If your student was ill or otherwise not in a condition to test at the best of their ability, you must contact the Advanced Academics Department within 48 hours of the testing session to request a retest.
WHEN WILL MY STUDENT BE ASSESSED?

WHEN CAN I SEE ASSESSMENT RESULTS?
 

NOTES FOR ALL TESTING SESSIONS:

  • Within the first few weeks of the new school year, we test most new-to-district students in grades 1, 2, 4, 5 & 6 (except the Open Classroom).  No testing of kindergarten or any 3rd grade students at this time as they test in January.
  • In January of each year, we test almost all SLCSD gradewide kindergarten and 3rd grade students attending a SLCSD school (except the Open Classroom).
  • In January of each year, we we test any kindergarten and 3rd grade students not currently attending a SLCSD school, includng the Open Classroom.
  • In January of each year, we test any 6th & 7th grade students for middle school Magnet.  
  • No other students are tested.
  • For students who are tested in a given year, they can only test once in a 12-month period.  So, as an example, if your new-to-district 6th grader tests at the beginning of the school year, they cannot retest in January. 
  • If your student was ill or otherwise not in a condition to test at the best of their ability, you must contact the Advanced Academics Department within 48 hours of the testing session to request a retest.
NEW-TO-DISTRICT
(First Weeks of School)
 
  • WHO: New-to-district students in 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th grades (not including Open Classroom)
  • NOTE:  Students can only take the CogAT once every 12 months. So, if your child is in 6th grade, please be aware that this test will be used to determine middle school Magnet G/T eligibility. Students who are tested in August may not retest in January or February.
  • WHAT ASSESSMENT:
    • 1st and 2nd grades: CogAT Screener with age appropriate breaks.  Post-Screener, if necessary, at a later date.
    • 4th, 5th & 6th grades:  Full CogAT with age appropriate breaks.
  • No parent sign-up needed.
  • Parent Letter re August New-to District Testing (ENG)
  • Carta a los padres sobre las pruebas de Agosto (SPA)
  • Assessment results to be populated in Parent Portal by mid-October 2026.    LINK TO PARENT PORTAL
  • If eligibile, Magnet eligibility letters will be sent to parents via ParentSquare by mid-October 2026.   LINK TO PARENTSQUARE
  • If your student is eligible, you will receive notification via ParentSquare.  
  • If your student is not eligible, you will not receive any notifications.  
WINTER GRADEWIDE
(after Winter Break)
 
  • WHO: SLCSD Gradewide Kinder and 3rd grade students attending a SLCSD school (not including Open Classroom)
  • WHAT ASSESSMENT:
    • K: CogAT Screener with age appropriate breaks.  Post-Screener, if necessary, at a later date.
    • 3rd: Full CogAT with age appropriate breaks.
  • No parent sign-up needed.
  • Assessment dates January 4-22, 2027.  Check with your school’s AAMP teacher for your school’s specific dates
  • Assessment results will be populated in Parent Portal by mid-March.  LINK TO PARENT PORTAL
  • If eligible for Magnet, Magnet eligibility letters will be sent to parents via ParentSquare. LINK TO PARENTSQUARE
  • If your student is not eligible, you will not receive an email.
STEPS TO COMPLETE ONLINE APPLICATON TO RESERVE A JANUARY 2027 TESTING SPOT
(Opt-in Application, Who Can Be Tested, Eligibility Notification)
LINK TO ONLINE APPLICATION WILL BE AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 THROUGH DECEMBER 11, 2026.  
If you completed an online application by the deadline, then after the online application closes an email will be sent to the email address in your application with instructions how to sign up your student for a testing slot.  Check your inbox, spam mailbox, and junk mailbox.
 
  • WHO:
    • Any Open Classroom Kinder or 3rd  grade student
    • Any Kinder or 3rd grade student NOT attending a SLCSD school
    • Any 6th or 7th grade student
      • NOTE: 6th or 7th grade students currently in a SLCSD full-time Magnet program AND 6th or 7th grade students previously eligible but not currently in a SLCSD full-time Magnet program do not need to retest.  Check with the Advanced Academics Dept to confirm and for your middle school options.
  • NOTE FOR PARENTS OF CURRENT SLCSD STUDENTS:  Once you click the online application link, click on “Apply With Your Parent Portal Account.”  If you can’t access the application, this means you have not linked your ParentPortal account with your student.  For help, ask your school secretary or see the “Parent” page on the district website.  If it still doesn’t work, click on “Apply As a New Student” to complete the application.
  • WHAT ASSESSMENT:
    • K, 3rd, 6th, 7th grade: Full CogAT with age appropriate breaks
  • WHEN SIGN UP:
    • Sign up on the website from September 14, 2026-December 11, 2026.  Click on the yellow highlighted link above to access the online application to reserve a testing spot.  If you complete an online application by the deadline, you will be contacted after December 11 with information how to sign up for a specific testing day and time. 
  • ASSESSMENT DATES:
    • Assessment dates January TBD. 
    • No make-up dates.  
  • RESULTS:
    • Advanced Academics Department will mail results.
AAMP (Part-Time Program)
ELIGIBILITY LETTERS
 
  • Advanced Academic Mentoring Program (AAMP) invitations sent to 4th-6th grade students by school's AAMP teacher after district testing has been completed.
NEW-TO-DISTRICT AND GRADEWIDE
MAGNET (Full Day Program)
ELIGIBILITY LETTERS
 
  • These are automatically sent after assessment testing.
  • If eligibile for Magnet, Magnet eligibility letters will be sent to parents via ParentSquare. LINK TO PARENTSQUARE
  • If your student is not eligible, you will not receive an email.
APPEAL APPLICATION DEADLINES
 

  • AAMP (Part-Time Program) Appeal for 2026-2027:

  • -DUE BY:  September 11, 2026
    -LINK TO FORMS:  Online AAMP Appeal Application must be completed to start the appeal process – LINK TO FORMS
    -NOTIFICATION:  Notification of outcome from the Advanced Academics Department by September 18, 2026, sent via email to the email address listed in the Appeal Application.  
     

     

  • Magnet Appeal for 2nd Semester 2026-2027 Placement:

  • -DUE BY:  November 29, 2026
    -LINK TO FORMS:  Online Magnet Appeal Application must be completed to start the appeal process – LINK TO FORMS
    -NOTIFICATION:  Notification of outcome from the Advanced Academics Department by December 18, 2026, sent via email to the email address listed in the Appeal Application.  
     

     

  • Magnet Appeal for 2027-2028 Placement: 
    -DUE BY:  March 26, 2027
    -LINK TO FORMS:  Online Magnet Appeal Application must be completed to start the appeal process – LINK TO FORMS
    -NOTIFICATION:  Notification of outcome from the Advanced Academics Department by Aprl 13, 2027, sent via email to the email address listed in the Appeal Application.  

WHAT GRADES ARE ASSESSED?

WHAT ASSESSMENT WILL THEY RECEIVE?

NOTES FOR ALL TESTING SESSIONS:

  • Within the first few weeks of the new school year, we test most new-to-district students in grades 1, 2, 4, 5 & 6 (except the Open Classroom).  No testing of kindergarten or any 3rd grade students at this time as they test in January.
  • In January of each year, we test almost all SLCSD gradewide kindergarten and 3rd grade students attending a SLCSD school (except the Open Classroom).
  • In January of each year, we we test any kindergarten and 3rd grade students not currently attending a SLCSD school, includng the Open Classroom.
  • In January of each year, we test any 6th & 7th grade students for middle school Magnet.  
  • No other students are tested.
  • For students who are tested in a given year, they can only test once in a 12-month period.  So, as an example, if your new-to-district 6th grader tests at the beginning of the school year, they cannot retest in January. 
  • If your student was ill or otherwise not in a condition to test at the best of their ability, you must contact the Advanced Academics Department within 48 hours of the testing session to request a retest.

Kindergarten

SLCSD GRADEWIDE:  No sign up needed.

ASSESSMENT DATES: 
January 4-22.  Check with your school’s AAMP teacher for your school’s specific dates. 

WHAT ASSESSMENT:
One or Two Assessments

  • CogAT Screener:
    • Up to 30 min
    • Computer based
    • Composite VQN score
  • Follow up Post-Screener, if necessary, at a later date:
    • Up to 30 mins each
    • Computer based


OPEN CLASSROOM & STUDENTS NOT IN A SLCSD SCHOOL:  Sign up required.  Online application open from Sept. 14, 2026 – Dec. 11, 2026.

ASSESSMENT DATES: 
Late January – Dated TBD

WHAT ASSESSMENT:

  • Full CogAT with age appropriate breaks
  • Up to 2.5 hours
  • Computer based
 

1st & 2nd Grades

No assessment

For Magnet Gifted and Talented eligibility:

  • Kindergarten assessment scores as starting point
  • Utilization of other data points (ie, achievement, observations) for inclusion consideration

3rd Grade

SLCSD GRADEWIDE:  No sign up needed.

ASSESSMENT DATES: 
January 4-22.  Check with your school’s AAMP teacher for your school’s specific dates.
 

OPEN CLASSROOM & STUDENTS NOT IN A SLCSD SCHOOL:  Sign up required.  Online application open from Sept. 14, 2026 – Dec. 11, 2026.  

ASSESSMENT DATES: 
Late January – Dates TBD

WHAT ASSESSMENT (for both Gradewide & Opt-In)

  • Full CogAT with age appropriate breaks
  • Up to 3 hours (average 2.5 hr)
  • Computer based
  • Verbal score
  • Quantitative score
  • Nonverbal score
  • V & Q score
  • Q & N score
  • V & N score
  • Composite VQN Score

4th & 5th Grades

No assessment

For Magnet Gifted and Talented eligibility:

  • 3rd assessment scores as starting point
  • Utilization of other data points (ie, achievement, observations) for inclusion consideration

For Middle School
(current 6th & 7th for next year placement)

FOR HONORS ADVANCED CLASSES:  

  • No assessment score required
  • Reach out to your school counselor for enrollment options


FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL MAGNET:

Sign up required. Online application open from Sept. 14, 2026 – Dec. 11, 2026.

ASSESSMENT DATES: 
Late January – Dates TBD

ASSESSMENT:

  • Full CogAT: 
  • Up to 3 hours (average 2.5 hr)
  • Computer based
  • Verbal score
  • Quantitative score
  • Nonverbal score
  • V & Q score
  • Q & N score
  • V & N score
  • Composite VQN Score
New-to-District
(1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th & 6th attending a SLCSD school at the beginning of the school year (not including the Open Classroom))


No sign up needed.

ASSESSMENT DATES: 
The first few weeks of the new school year.  Check with your school’s AAMP teacher for specific dates. 
If a new-to-district student enrolls in a SLCSD school after testing, they will be tested in the next appropriate testing session.
NOTE:  Students can only take the CogAT once every 12 months. So, if your child is in 6th grade, please be aware that this test will be used to determine middle school Magnet G/T eligibility. Students who are tested in August may not retest in January or February.

WHAT ASSESSMENT:

  • 1st and 2nd grades: CogAT Screener with age appropriate breaks.  Post-Screener, if necessary, at a later date.
  • 4th, 5th & 6th grades:  Full CogAT with age appropriate breaks.

 

WHEN CAN I SEE ASSESSMENT RESULTS?

NOTES FOR ALL TESTING SESSIONS:

  • Within the first few weeks of the new school year, we test most new-to-district students in grades 1, 2, 4, 5 & 6 (except the Open Classroom).  No testing of kindergarten or any 3rd grade students at this time as they test in January.
  • In January of each year, we test almost all SLCSD gradewide kindergarten and 3rd grade students attending a SLCSD school (except the Open Classroom).
  • In January of each year, we we test any kindergarten and 3rd grade students not currently attending a SLCSD school, includng the Open Classroom.
  • In January of each year, we test any 6th & 7th grade students for middle school Magnet.  
  • No other students are tested.
  • For students who are tested in a given year, they can only test once in a 12-month period.  So, as an example, if your new-to-district 6th grader tests at the beginning of the school year, they cannot retest in January. 
  • If your student was ill or otherwise not in a condition to test at the best of their ability, you must contact the Advanced Academics Department within 48 hours of the testing session to request a retest.

First Weeks of School -- New-to District

  • Assessment results will be populated in Parent Portal by mid-October.
  • Magnet eligibility letters are sent directly from the Advanced Academics Department, separate from assessment scores, via ParentSquare (be sure you have signed up to receive ParentSquare notifications).
  • Those who do not meet eligibility requirements will not receive a letter.
 

Winter Gradewide -- Kindergarten & 3rd Grades in a SLCSD School     

  • Assessment results will be populated in Parent Portal by mid-March 2027.
  • Magnet eligibility letters and waitlist letters are sent directly from the Advanced Academics Department, separate from assessment scores, via ParentSquare (be sure you have signed up to receive ParentSquare notifications).
  • These letters will be sent by mid-March 2027.
  • Those who do not meet eligibility requirements will not receive a letter.

January Opt-In – Kinder & 3rd Grades Not in a SLCSD School (includes Open Classroom) and Any 6th & 7th Graders

  • Testing results for 6th & 7th grade students who test in January 2027, will be sent to the email address listed in your online application.  If you do not see the email in your inbox, check your span and junk mailboxes.
    NOTE:  Testing results are sent after the middle school open houses, and we recommend you attend the middle school open houses held in January 2027.
  • By mid-March 2027, results for opt-in kindergarten and 3rd grade students who tested in January 2027, will be emailed to the email address listed in your application.  If you do not see the email in your inbox, check your span and junk mailboxes.

Magnet Gifted and Talented Eligibility

Starting with the 2024-2025 school year, the Advanced Academics Department moved forward with some changes in our identification procedures. We have, historically, struggled to find the balance of open-ended access and sufficient, timely communications and decisions. Past school years provided particularly strong examples of that struggle. School closures, relocation of Magnet locations, and the shifting interest and concerns the community shared caused many prior procedures to become complicated because past trends no longer applied to the new circumstances. 

We worked to align our district identification procedures with those of our neighboring districts. National recommendations say that gifted identification should range between 3-7% of a population. With that goal in mind, our procedures are to identify a range of students in each Magnet area. By focusing the identification criteria and procedures, the Advanced Academics Department is better equipped to communicate with parents, principals, teachers, and the transportation department in a more timely and efficient way. 

For the full-time Magnet program, our procedures identify a range of students in each Magnet area based on CogAT VQN scores.  Six+ elementary schools flow into each area Magnet school.  Students are assessed in three areas:  verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal.  VQN is the composite of these three scores, and students are ranked according to their VQN score.  Students invited to the Magnet program typically score in the upper 8th to 9th percentile.

Especially for our students that receive the full CogAT assessment, there is so much information available unrelated to gifted identification. On the CogAT score report, there is an Ability Profile that gives both parents and teachers insights into thinking preferences and strengths along with recommendations of things we adults can do to support student growth. This can be a powerful tool when combined with other college & career planning tools to guide a student’s understanding about themselves and make meaningful goals for their learning. 

FAQs 

How do I access my student’s CogAT Scores: 
They are on the CogAT Student Summary Report, which can be found in Parent Portal: 
1. Login to Parent Portal (https://powerschool.slcschools.org)
2. Select the 'Student Information' link in the left-hand side menu. 
3. The CogAT report is in the 'Test Scores' section.  

If you need help accessing your Parent Portal, reach out to your school’s front office secretary. If you do not see your student’s CogAT Summary Report, feel free to reach out to the Advanced Academics Department.  

What information can be found in the CogAT Student Summary Report? 
The report contains your student’s stanine score.  For kindergarten students, there is only one composite score; but for students in 3rd grade or older, the Student Summary Report includes individual verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning scores as well as an ability profile. 

How will I know if my student is eligible for Magnet? 
The Advanced Academics Department contacts Magnet eligible families via ParentSquare (be sure you have signed up to receive ParentSquare notifications), or letter if there is no email available. We will announce on the Advanced Academics website when we have finished notifying families. 

My student is not Magnet eligible, but I think they would be a good fit. What do I do? 
Parents may submit an appeal to be considered at our next appeal session.  Appeal forms and due dates can be found under our Forms tab on the Advanced Academics Department webpage on the district website.  You can click here to be taken to the webpage:  LINK TO FORMS PAGE  

 

When can I see assessment results?
NOTE:  Students who are tested can only test once in a 12-month period.  If your student was ill or otherwise not in a condition to test at the best of their ability, you must contact the Advanced Academics Department within 48 hours of the testing session to request a retest.

First Weeks of School -- New-to-district

 

  • The Advanced Academics Department will contact parents ONLY if their student is eligible.
  • Assessment results will be populated in Parent Portal by the end of September.
 

Winter Gradewide -- SLCSD Kinder & 3rd Grades

 

  • The Advanced Academics Department will contact parents ONLY if their student is eligible.
  • Assessment results will be populated in Parent Portal by mid-March.

January/February Opt-In -- Non-SLCSD Kinder & 3rd Grades AND 6th & 7th Grades

 

  • The Advanced Academics Department will contact parents with assessment results and eligibility status.

 

AAMP Eligibility

  • Advanced Academic & Mentoring Program (AAMP) opt-in letters are sent home, from the school's AAMP teacher, during the first few weeks of school.
  • AAMP groups start the week of September 9, 2026.
  • For those not eligible for AAMP that want to be considered, click LINK TO FORMS to submit an AAMP appeal form.  AAMP appeal forms are due by September 11, 2026.

  • WHEN WILL MY STUDENT BE ASSESSED?

    WHEN CAN I SEE ASSESSMENT RESULTS?
     

    NOTES FOR ALL TESTING SESSIONS:

    • Within the first few weeks of the new school year, we test most new-to-district students in grades 1, 2, 4, 5 & 6 (except the Open Classroom).  No testing of kindergarten or any 3rd grade students at this time as they test in January.
    • In January of each year, we test almost all SLCSD gradewide kindergarten and 3rd grade students attending a SLCSD school (except the Open Classroom).
    • In January of each year, we we test any kindergarten and 3rd grade students not currently attending a SLCSD school, includng the Open Classroom.
    • In January of each year, we test any 6th & 7th grade students for middle school Magnet.  
    • No other students are tested.
    • For students who are tested in a given year, they can only test once in a 12-month period.  So, as an example, if your new-to-district 6th grader tests at the beginning of the school year, they cannot retest in January. 
    • If your student was ill or otherwise not in a condition to test at the best of their ability, you must contact the Advanced Academics Department within 48 hours of the testing session to request a retest.
    NEW-TO-DISTRICT
    (First Weeks of School)
     
    • WHO: New-to-district students in 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th grades (not including Open Classroom)
    • NOTE:  Students can only take the CogAT once every 12 months. So, if your child is in 6th grade, please be aware that this test will be used to determine middle school Magnet G/T eligibility. Students who are tested in August may not retest in January or February.
    • WHAT ASSESSMENT:
      • 1st and 2nd grades: CogAT Screener with age appropriate breaks.  Post-Screener, if necessary, at a later date.
      • 4th, 5th & 6th grades:  Full CogAT with age appropriate breaks.
    • No parent sign-up needed.
    • Parent Letter re August New-to District Testing (ENG)
    • Carta a los padres sobre las pruebas de Agosto (SPA)
    • Assessment results to be populated in Parent Portal by mid-October 2026.    LINK TO PARENT PORTAL
    • If eligibile, Magnet eligibility letters will be sent to parents via ParentSquare by mid-October 2026.   LINK TO PARENTSQUARE
    • If your student is eligible, you will receive notification via ParentSquare.  
    • If your student is not eligible, you will not receive any notifications.  
    WINTER GRADEWIDE
    (after Winter Break)
     
    • WHO: SLCSD Gradewide Kinder and 3rd grade students attending a SLCSD school (not including Open Classroom)
    • WHAT ASSESSMENT:
      • K: CogAT Screener with age appropriate breaks.  Post-Screener, if necessary, at a later date.
      • 3rd: Full CogAT with age appropriate breaks.
    • No parent sign-up needed.
    • Assessment dates January 4-22, 2027.  Check with your school’s AAMP teacher for your school’s specific dates
    • Assessment results will be populated in Parent Portal by mid-March.  LINK TO PARENT PORTAL
    • If eligible for Magnet, Magnet eligibility letters will be sent to parents via ParentSquare. LINK TO PARENTSQUARE
    • If your student is not eligible, you will not receive an email.
    STEPS TO COMPLETE ONLINE APPLICATON TO RESERVE A JANUARY 2027 TESTING SPOT
    (Opt-in Application, Who Can Be Tested, Eligibility Notification)
    LINK TO ONLINE APPLICATION WILL BE AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 THROUGH DECEMBER 11, 2026.  
    If you completed an online application by the deadline, then after the online application closes an email will be sent to the email address in your application with instructions how to sign up your student for a testing slot.  Check your inbox, spam mailbox, and junk mailbox.
     
    • WHO:
      • Any Open Classroom Kinder or 3rd  grade student
      • Any Kinder or 3rd grade student NOT attending a SLCSD school
      • Any 6th or 7th grade student
        • NOTE: 6th or 7th grade students currently in a SLCSD full-time Magnet program AND 6th or 7th grade students previously eligible but not currently in a SLCSD full-time Magnet program do not need to retest.  Check with the Advanced Academics Dept to confirm and for your middle school options.
    • NOTE FOR PARENTS OF CURRENT SLCSD STUDENTS:  Once you click the online application link, click on “Apply With Your Parent Portal Account.”  If you can’t access the application, this means you have not linked your ParentPortal account with your student.  For help, ask your school secretary or see the “Parent” page on the district website.  If it still doesn’t work, click on “Apply As a New Student” to complete the application.
    • WHAT ASSESSMENT:
      • K, 3rd, 6th, 7th grade: Full CogAT with age appropriate breaks
    • WHEN SIGN UP:
      • Sign up on the website from September 14, 2026-December 11, 2026.  Click on the yellow highlighted link above to access the online application to reserve a testing spot.  If you complete an online application by the deadline, you will be contacted after December 11 with information how to sign up for a specific testing day and time. 
    • ASSESSMENT DATES:
      • Assessment dates January TBD. 
      • No make-up dates.  
    • RESULTS:
      • Advanced Academics Department will mail results.
    AAMP (Part-Time Program)
    ELIGIBILITY LETTERS
     
    • Advanced Academic Mentoring Program (AAMP) invitations sent to 4th-6th grade students by school's AAMP teacher after district testing has been completed.
    NEW-TO-DISTRICT AND GRADEWIDE
    MAGNET (Full Day Program)
    ELIGIBILITY LETTERS
     
    • These are automatically sent after assessment testing.
    • If eligibile for Magnet, Magnet eligibility letters will be sent to parents via ParentSquare. LINK TO PARENTSQUARE
    • If your student is not eligible, you will not receive an email.
    APPEAL APPLICATION DEADLINES
     

    • AAMP (Part-Time Program) Appeal for 2026-2027:

    • -DUE BY:  September 11, 2026
      -LINK TO FORMS:  Online AAMP Appeal Application must be completed to start the appeal process – LINK TO FORMS
      -NOTIFICATION:  Notification of outcome from the Advanced Academics Department by September 18, 2026, sent via email to the email address listed in the Appeal Application.  
       

       

    • Magnet Appeal for 2nd Semester 2026-2027 Placement:

    • -DUE BY:  November 29, 2026
      -LINK TO FORMS:  Online Magnet Appeal Application must be completed to start the appeal process – LINK TO FORMS
      -NOTIFICATION:  Notification of outcome from the Advanced Academics Department by December 18, 2026, sent via email to the email address listed in the Appeal Application.  
       

       

    • Magnet Appeal for 2027-2028 Placement: 
      -DUE BY:  March 26, 2027
      -LINK TO FORMS:  Online Magnet Appeal Application must be completed to start the appeal process – LINK TO FORMS
      -NOTIFICATION:  Notification of outcome from the Advanced Academics Department by Aprl 13, 2027, sent via email to the email address listed in the Appeal Application.  

  • WHAT GRADES ARE ASSESSED?

    WHAT ASSESSMENT WILL THEY RECEIVE?

    NOTES FOR ALL TESTING SESSIONS:

    • Within the first few weeks of the new school year, we test most new-to-district students in grades 1, 2, 4, 5 & 6 (except the Open Classroom).  No testing of kindergarten or any 3rd grade students at this time as they test in January.
    • In January of each year, we test almost all SLCSD gradewide kindergarten and 3rd grade students attending a SLCSD school (except the Open Classroom).
    • In January of each year, we we test any kindergarten and 3rd grade students not currently attending a SLCSD school, includng the Open Classroom.
    • In January of each year, we test any 6th & 7th grade students for middle school Magnet.  
    • No other students are tested.
    • For students who are tested in a given year, they can only test once in a 12-month period.  So, as an example, if your new-to-district 6th grader tests at the beginning of the school year, they cannot retest in January. 
    • If your student was ill or otherwise not in a condition to test at the best of their ability, you must contact the Advanced Academics Department within 48 hours of the testing session to request a retest.

    Kindergarten

    SLCSD GRADEWIDE:  No sign up needed.

    ASSESSMENT DATES: 
    January 4-22.  Check with your school’s AAMP teacher for your school’s specific dates. 

    WHAT ASSESSMENT:
    One or Two Assessments

    • CogAT Screener:
      • Up to 30 min
      • Computer based
      • Composite VQN score
    • Follow up Post-Screener, if necessary, at a later date:
      • Up to 30 mins each
      • Computer based


    OPEN CLASSROOM & STUDENTS NOT IN A SLCSD SCHOOL:  Sign up required.  Online application open from Sept. 14, 2026 – Dec. 11, 2026.

    ASSESSMENT DATES: 
    Late January – Dated TBD

    WHAT ASSESSMENT:

    • Full CogAT with age appropriate breaks
    • Up to 2.5 hours
    • Computer based
     

    1st & 2nd Grades

    No assessment

    For Magnet Gifted and Talented eligibility:

    • Kindergarten assessment scores as starting point
    • Utilization of other data points (ie, achievement, observations) for inclusion consideration

    3rd Grade

    SLCSD GRADEWIDE:  No sign up needed.

    ASSESSMENT DATES: 
    January 4-22.  Check with your school’s AAMP teacher for your school’s specific dates.
     

    OPEN CLASSROOM & STUDENTS NOT IN A SLCSD SCHOOL:  Sign up required.  Online application open from Sept. 14, 2026 – Dec. 11, 2026.  

    ASSESSMENT DATES: 
    Late January – Dates TBD

    WHAT ASSESSMENT (for both Gradewide & Opt-In)

    • Full CogAT with age appropriate breaks
    • Up to 3 hours (average 2.5 hr)
    • Computer based
    • Verbal score
    • Quantitative score
    • Nonverbal score
    • V & Q score
    • Q & N score
    • V & N score
    • Composite VQN Score

    4th & 5th Grades

    No assessment

    For Magnet Gifted and Talented eligibility:

    • 3rd assessment scores as starting point
    • Utilization of other data points (ie, achievement, observations) for inclusion consideration

    For Middle School
    (current 6th & 7th for next year placement)

    FOR HONORS ADVANCED CLASSES:  

    • No assessment score required
    • Reach out to your school counselor for enrollment options


    FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL MAGNET:

    Sign up required. Online application open from Sept. 14, 2026 – Dec. 11, 2026.

    ASSESSMENT DATES: 
    Late January – Dates TBD

    ASSESSMENT:

    • Full CogAT: 
    • Up to 3 hours (average 2.5 hr)
    • Computer based
    • Verbal score
    • Quantitative score
    • Nonverbal score
    • V & Q score
    • Q & N score
    • V & N score
    • Composite VQN Score
    New-to-District
    (1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th & 6th attending a SLCSD school at the beginning of the school year (not including the Open Classroom))


    No sign up needed.

    ASSESSMENT DATES: 
    The first few weeks of the new school year.  Check with your school’s AAMP teacher for specific dates. 
    If a new-to-district student enrolls in a SLCSD school after testing, they will be tested in the next appropriate testing session.
    NOTE:  Students can only take the CogAT once every 12 months. So, if your child is in 6th grade, please be aware that this test will be used to determine middle school Magnet G/T eligibility. Students who are tested in August may not retest in January or February.

    WHAT ASSESSMENT:

    • 1st and 2nd grades: CogAT Screener with age appropriate breaks.  Post-Screener, if necessary, at a later date.
    • 4th, 5th & 6th grades:  Full CogAT with age appropriate breaks.

     

  • WHEN CAN I SEE ASSESSMENT RESULTS?

    NOTES FOR ALL TESTING SESSIONS:

    • Within the first few weeks of the new school year, we test most new-to-district students in grades 1, 2, 4, 5 & 6 (except the Open Classroom).  No testing of kindergarten or any 3rd grade students at this time as they test in January.
    • In January of each year, we test almost all SLCSD gradewide kindergarten and 3rd grade students attending a SLCSD school (except the Open Classroom).
    • In January of each year, we we test any kindergarten and 3rd grade students not currently attending a SLCSD school, includng the Open Classroom.
    • In January of each year, we test any 6th & 7th grade students for middle school Magnet.  
    • No other students are tested.
    • For students who are tested in a given year, they can only test once in a 12-month period.  So, as an example, if your new-to-district 6th grader tests at the beginning of the school year, they cannot retest in January. 
    • If your student was ill or otherwise not in a condition to test at the best of their ability, you must contact the Advanced Academics Department within 48 hours of the testing session to request a retest.

    First Weeks of School -- New-to District

    • Assessment results will be populated in Parent Portal by mid-October.
    • Magnet eligibility letters are sent directly from the Advanced Academics Department, separate from assessment scores, via ParentSquare (be sure you have signed up to receive ParentSquare notifications).
    • Those who do not meet eligibility requirements will not receive a letter.
     

    Winter Gradewide -- Kindergarten & 3rd Grades in a SLCSD School     

    • Assessment results will be populated in Parent Portal by mid-March 2027.
    • Magnet eligibility letters and waitlist letters are sent directly from the Advanced Academics Department, separate from assessment scores, via ParentSquare (be sure you have signed up to receive ParentSquare notifications).
    • These letters will be sent by mid-March 2027.
    • Those who do not meet eligibility requirements will not receive a letter.

    January Opt-In – Kinder & 3rd Grades Not in a SLCSD School (includes Open Classroom) and Any 6th & 7th Graders

    • Testing results for 6th & 7th grade students who test in January 2027, will be sent to the email address listed in your online application.  If you do not see the email in your inbox, check your span and junk mailboxes.
      NOTE:  Testing results are sent after the middle school open houses, and we recommend you attend the middle school open houses held in January 2027.
    • By mid-March 2027, results for opt-in kindergarten and 3rd grade students who tested in January 2027, will be emailed to the email address listed in your application.  If you do not see the email in your inbox, check your span and junk mailboxes.

  • Magnet Gifted and Talented Eligibility

    Starting with the 2024-2025 school year, the Advanced Academics Department moved forward with some changes in our identification procedures. We have, historically, struggled to find the balance of open-ended access and sufficient, timely communications and decisions. Past school years provided particularly strong examples of that struggle. School closures, relocation of Magnet locations, and the shifting interest and concerns the community shared caused many prior procedures to become complicated because past trends no longer applied to the new circumstances. 

    We worked to align our district identification procedures with those of our neighboring districts. National recommendations say that gifted identification should range between 3-7% of a population. With that goal in mind, our procedures are to identify a range of students in each Magnet area. By focusing the identification criteria and procedures, the Advanced Academics Department is better equipped to communicate with parents, principals, teachers, and the transportation department in a more timely and efficient way. 

    For the full-time Magnet program, our procedures identify a range of students in each Magnet area based on CogAT VQN scores.  Six+ elementary schools flow into each area Magnet school.  Students are assessed in three areas:  verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal.  VQN is the composite of these three scores, and students are ranked according to their VQN score.  Students invited to the Magnet program typically score in the upper 8th to 9th percentile.

    Especially for our students that receive the full CogAT assessment, there is so much information available unrelated to gifted identification. On the CogAT score report, there is an Ability Profile that gives both parents and teachers insights into thinking preferences and strengths along with recommendations of things we adults can do to support student growth. This can be a powerful tool when combined with other college & career planning tools to guide a student’s understanding about themselves and make meaningful goals for their learning. 

    FAQs 

    How do I access my student’s CogAT Scores: 
    They are on the CogAT Student Summary Report, which can be found in Parent Portal: 
    1. Login to Parent Portal (https://powerschool.slcschools.org)
    2. Select the 'Student Information' link in the left-hand side menu. 
    3. The CogAT report is in the 'Test Scores' section.  

    If you need help accessing your Parent Portal, reach out to your school’s front office secretary. If you do not see your student’s CogAT Summary Report, feel free to reach out to the Advanced Academics Department.  

    What information can be found in the CogAT Student Summary Report? 
    The report contains your student’s stanine score.  For kindergarten students, there is only one composite score; but for students in 3rd grade or older, the Student Summary Report includes individual verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning scores as well as an ability profile. 

    How will I know if my student is eligible for Magnet? 
    The Advanced Academics Department contacts Magnet eligible families via ParentSquare (be sure you have signed up to receive ParentSquare notifications), or letter if there is no email available. We will announce on the Advanced Academics website when we have finished notifying families. 

    My student is not Magnet eligible, but I think they would be a good fit. What do I do? 
    Parents may submit an appeal to be considered at our next appeal session.  Appeal forms and due dates can be found under our Forms tab on the Advanced Academics Department webpage on the district website.  You can click here to be taken to the webpage:  LINK TO FORMS PAGE  

     

    When can I see assessment results?
    NOTE:  Students who are tested can only test once in a 12-month period.  If your student was ill or otherwise not in a condition to test at the best of their ability, you must contact the Advanced Academics Department within 48 hours of the testing session to request a retest.

    First Weeks of School -- New-to-district

     

    • The Advanced Academics Department will contact parents ONLY if their student is eligible.
    • Assessment results will be populated in Parent Portal by the end of September.
     

    Winter Gradewide -- SLCSD Kinder & 3rd Grades

     

    • The Advanced Academics Department will contact parents ONLY if their student is eligible.
    • Assessment results will be populated in Parent Portal by mid-March.

    January/February Opt-In -- Non-SLCSD Kinder & 3rd Grades AND 6th & 7th Grades

     

    • The Advanced Academics Department will contact parents with assessment results and eligibility status.

     

    AAMP Eligibility

    • Advanced Academic & Mentoring Program (AAMP) opt-in letters are sent home, from the school's AAMP teacher, during the first few weeks of school.
    • AAMP groups start the week of September 9, 2026.
    • For those not eligible for AAMP that want to be considered, click LINK TO FORMS to submit an AAMP appeal form.  AAMP appeal forms are due by September 11, 2026.

More Information