Center for Talent Development Academic Evaluation
Purpose
Because many students in PreK through grade 3 do not have the opportunity for achievement testing within their schools, Center for Talent Development fills this gap. The purpose of the CTD academic evaluation is to assess eligibility for admission into the Summer Program or other CTD programs. It is not a general psychological evaluation. Comparable evaluations by a school psychologist may be used to demonstrate eligibility for the Summer Program only if achievement scores in the areas of mathematics and language arts are included.
Eligibility
Children must be at least 4 years of age – typically in PreK – and not yet beyond grade 3 to participate. In addition, we recommend that parents schedule testing after their child starts showing some familiarity with letters and numbers, since a major portion of the test battery assesses achievement in these areas.
Testing
Center for Talent Development testing consultants are trained in testing principles and familiar with CTD programs. Testing consultants introduce themselves and familiarize children and parents with the testing room and procedures. They then direct parents to a nearby room, where parents complete a parent inventory and wait for testing to be completed.
The evaluation, which lasts about an hour, consists of achievement tests in letter recognition and reading, early mathematics, general information and tests of abstract logical reasoning ability and abstract representation. The evaluation is not a complete cognitive or psychological assessment. Instead, we administer a limited number of tests that measure a child's readiness for participation in CTD programs and other opportunities for gifted children.
The following tests are administered:
• Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement (KTEA-II)
(verbal and mathematical achievement)
• Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (K-BIT 2)
(measures verbal and nonverbal cognitive ability)
In addition, a special inventory measures children's cooperation and attentiveness, their ability to separate from a parent and interact with the unfamiliar examiner and their social adeptness and ability to hold their own in an adult conversation.
Test consultants discuss results with parents immediately after testing is completed. Parents then receive a written report, including test scores and recommendations, about four weeks after testing.
Logistics
Testing is performed in several Illinois locations: Northwestern University's Evanston campus, Chicago (at FXW Holy Name Campus), Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, Oak Park and Palatine. Available testing dates and times vary by location.
CTD requires a $120 evaluation fee, payable via check or money order at the time of testing. Please make check or money order payable to Center for Talent Development.
Please note: Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a $25 cancellation fee.
Schedule Testing
Contact CTD at 847/491-3850 or ctd-testing@northwestern.edu to schedule a testing appointment. After scheduling, you will receive a confirmation letter along with detailed information regarding the testing location as well as maps and parking permits when necessary.
Purpose
Because many students in PreK through grade 3 do not have the opportunity for achievement testing within their schools, Center for Talent Development fills this gap. The purpose of the CTD academic evaluation is to assess eligibility for admission into the Summer Program or other CTD programs. It is not a general psychological evaluation. Comparable evaluations by a school psychologist may be used to demonstrate eligibility for the Summer Program only if achievement scores in the areas of mathematics and language arts are included.
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Eligibility
Children must be at least 4 years of age – typically in PreK – and not yet beyond grade 3 to participate. In addition, we recommend that parents schedule testing after their child starts showing some familiarity with letters and numbers, since a major portion of the test battery assesses achievement in these areas.
back to top
Testing
Center for Talent Development testing consultants are trained in testing principles and familiar with CTD programs. Testing consultants introduce themselves and familiarize children and parents with the testing room and procedures. They then direct parents to a nearby room, where parents complete a parent inventory and wait for testing to be completed.
The evaluation, which lasts about an hour, consists of achievement tests in letter recognition and reading, early mathematics, general information and tests of abstract logical reasoning ability and abstract representation. The evaluation is not a complete cognitive or psychological assessment. Instead, we administer a limited number of tests that measure a child's readiness for participation in CTD programs and other opportunities for gifted children.
The following tests are administered:
• Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement (KTEA-II)
(verbal and mathematical achievement)
• Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (K-BIT 2)
(measures verbal and nonverbal cognitive ability)
In addition, a special inventory measures children's cooperation and attentiveness, their ability to separate from a parent and interact with the unfamiliar examiner and their social adeptness and ability to hold their own in an adult conversation.
Test consultants discuss results with parents immediately after testing is completed. Parents then receive a written report, including test scores and recommendations, about four weeks after testing.
back to top
Logistics
Testing is performed in several Illinois locations: Northwestern University's Evanston campus, Chicago (at FXW Holy Name Campus), Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, Oak Park and Palatine. Available testing dates and times vary by location.
CTD requires a $120 evaluation fee, payable via check or money order at the time of testing. Please make check or money order payable to Center for Talent Development.
Please note: Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a $25 cancellation fee.
back to top
Schedule Testing
Contact CTD at 847/491-3850 or ctd-testing@northwestern.edu to schedule a testing appointment. After scheduling, you will receive a confirmation letter along with detailed information regarding the testing location as well as maps and parking permits when necessary.
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