Mars Area School District is sending the results of the IOWA Test of Basic Skills (IOWA) and Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) home with students (Grades K-2) on Thursday, May 1.

The assessments were administered to all Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade students in March. The purpose of the assessments is: 

1. To determine gaps in our curriculum and to address those gaps properly;
2. To assist teachers in providing lessons at the student instructional level and to create effective enrichment/remediation strategies;
3. To have nationally normed data at Student Assistance Meetings and to assist in decisions about evaluation for additional supports and services; and
4. To have a reliable, summative assessment to screen students for placement into the District’s gifted program and/or special education programs.

The District asks that all parents/guardians carefully read the letter that accompanies your child’s results. To help interpret the results, please review the following information:

Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT):

The average Standard Age Score is 100.

131 or above — Extremely High
121-130 — Very High Average
111-120 — Above Average
110-90 — Average
89-80 — Low Average
79-70 — Very Low Average
69 or below — Extremely Low

IOWA Test of Basic Skills (IOWA):

The average Percentile Score is 50.

97th Percentile or above — Extremely High
92nd-96th Percentile — Very High Average
76th-91st Percentile — High Average 25th-75th Percentile — Average
9th-24th Percentile — Low Average
3rd-8th Percentile — Very Low Average
2nd Percentile or below — Extremely Low

Please note that the results of these assessments are simply one piece of information in your child’s educational career.

Specific questions regarding the assessments or the interpretation of the results may be addressed to the Mars Area School District Special Education Department at (724) 625-1518. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Travis W. Mineard
Director of Special Education
Mars Area School District