CogAT assesses the level and pattern of cognitive development of students from kindergarten through grade 12. The test measures general and specific reasoning abilities in three domains: verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal. These abilities reflect the overall efficiency of cognitive processes and strategies that enable individuals to learn new tasks and solve problems. Because these abilities are closely related to an individual’s success in school in virtually all subjects, CogAT results are helpful in planning effective instructional programs and adapting instruction to enhance the student’s chances of success in learning.
The table below summarizes the three primary uses of CogAT scores:
| Purposes for CogAT |
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Guiding efforts to adapt instruction to the needs and abilities of students CogAT scores help teachers adapt instructional goals, methods, and materials to the individual needs of students. |
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Measuring cognitive development to help identify academically talented students CogAT captures important information not represented in report card grades or in other measures of school achievement. CogAT results provide valuable information that aids the identification of academically talented students. |
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Identifying students whose predicted levels of achievement differ markedly from observed levels of achievement When academic achievement is markedly above or below that expected from a student’s CogAT scores, determining the cause helps guide instructional decisions. |