MATS Presentation SAT Testing

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Midwest Academic Talent Search: A Valuable Tool for our Invaluable Kids! Center for Talent Development® Northwestern University Evanston, Illinois 847-491-3782 ctd@northwestern.edu www.ctd.northwestern.edu

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Topics of Discussion What is CTD? What is MATS? What is above-grade level testing? How do MATS students perform? What are student/family benefits? What are school/educator benefits? What are common misconceptions?

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What Is CTD? Center for Talent Development School of Education at Northwestern University Founded in 1982 Mission: Serving gifted children and their families from preK through grade 12 Programs: Testing; research; conferences; and Saturday, summer, and distance-learning courses for gifted students

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How Does MATS Serve Gifted Students? Gives 3rd-9th graders the opportunity to take above-grade level tests Provides academic counseling material to families and schools Provides information on special opportunities until high school graduation Helps bright students understand their abilities and plan their futures

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Which Above-Grade Level Tests Are Used? EXPLORE for 3rd - 6th graders (designed for 8th graders) SAT or ACT for 7th, 8th, and 9th graders* (designed for juniors in high school) *May be given to exceptional 6th graders. All students have easy access through nationwide testing centers.

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What Is Above-Grade Level Testing? MATS is a two-tiered system: Tier One: Identify students: State test scores Achievement test scores Past Talent Search participant Qualify for school gifted program Teacher and/or parent nomination Tier Two: Administer above- grade level test Definition of above-grade level testing: A test designed for older students Rationale: Above-grade level tests have enough ‘ceiling’ (difficult questions) for students with advanced abilities

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How Do MATS Students Perform? Most participants are not frustrated by the testing experience. As a group, MAT students perform: -about as well as the older students on the ACT and SAT -even better than the older students on EXPLORE

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ACT Scores for MATS Participants and College-Bound Seniors 30-36 25-29 20-24 15-19 1-14 30-36 25-29 20-24 15-19 1-14 30-36 25-29 20-24 15-19 1-14 7.7 18.0 30.0 28.6 15.7 2.3 9.5 23.8 56.3 8.1 2.3 13.1 36.9 40.7 6.9 8.0 17.0 27.0 28.0 20.0 4.0 15.0 26.0 40.0 15.0 3.0 15.0 33.0 35.0 14.0 ACT Reading ACT Math ACT Composite Score Range Percent of MATS Students Scoring in Range* Percent of Seniors Scoring in Range** Average Scores MATS Students: 19.0 College-Bound Seniors: 20.6 MATS Students: 20.1 College-Bound Seniors: 20.9 MATS Students: 20.8 College-Bound Seniors: 21.3 * MATS Percentages: Data based on scores from 2004-2005 MATS Participants ** Senior Percentages: Data based on scores from 2003-2005 College-Bound Seniors

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SAT Scores for MATS Participants and College-Bound Seniors 700-800 600-690 500-590 400-490 300-390 200-290 700-800 600-690 500-590 400-490 300-390 200-290 1.9 10.2 33.4 41.3 12.1 1.0 0.7 6.8 29.0 43.6 17.7 2.2 7.0 20.0 31.0 28.0 12.0 2.0 5.0 17.0 32.0 31.0 12.0 3.0 SAT Math SAT Reading Score Range Percent of MATS Students Scoring in Range* Percent of Seniors Scoring in Range** Average Scores MATS: 491 College- Bound Senior: 520 MATS: 468 College- Bound Senior: 508 * MATS Percentages: Data based on scores from 2004-2005 MATS Participants ** Senior Percentages: Data based on scores from 2005 College-Bound Seniors

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Performance of MATS Students on EXPLORE Compared to Eighth Graders English Math Reading Science Composite 4th 14.4 13.7 13.9 16.2 14.7 5th 15.9 15.3 15.2 17.5 16.1 6th 17.6 17.3 16.7 18.9 17.7 8th (Norms) 13.9 14.4 13.9 15.9 14.7 3rd 12.6 11.9 12.5 14.8 13.1 Mean Scores by Grade Level

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Performance (cont.) MATS participants continue their achievement into high school Take more accelerated and advanced courses than other students and tend to excel, not burn out Receive more awards and honors

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Program Recommendations for SAT and ACT Test Takers 200-470 on SAT-R 200-510 on SAT-M OR 0-21 on ACT-Eng/Read 0-17 on ACT-Math In-school enrichment programs in tested area of strength Long-range academic planning Supplement coursework with enrichment-oriented summer programs Early access to advanced courses 480-580 on SAT-R 520-600 on SAT-M OR 22-27 on ACT-Eng/Read 18-23 on ACT-Math Compression of school courses into shorter time periods via curriculum compacting Fast-paced summer classes in area of strength Early access to advanced placement Long-range academic planning Early career counseling 580+ on SAT-R 600+ on SAT-M OR 28+ on ACT-Eng/Read 24+ on ACT-Math Individualized program of study, using diagnostic-prescriptive approach in areas of strength Consider grade acceleration or early admission to college Mentorships for advanced study in area of strength All of the previous program options plus:

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Program Recommendations for EXPLORE Test Takers In-school enrichment programs in tested area of strength Supplement coursework with enrichment-oriented summer program, after school, or Saturday programs Long-range academic planning Early access to advanced classes English 0-12 Math 0-13 Reading 0-12 Science 0-14 English 0-13 Math 0-14 Reading 0-13 Science 0-15 EXPLORE Compression of school courses into shorter time periods via curriculum compacting Fast-paced summer programs in area of strength Early access to advanced classes including AP classes Long-range academic planning and early career counseling English 13-17 Math 14-15 Reading 13-15 Science 15-17 English 14-18 Math 15-18 Reading 14-18 Science 16-18 Grade 4th 5th & 6th 4th 5th & 6th 4th 5th & 6th Individualized program of study, using diagnostic-prescriptive approach Consider grade acceleration, early entrance to high school, early college entrance Mentorships for advanced study in area of strength All of the previous program options plus: English ≥18 Math ≥16 Reading ≥16 Science ≥18 English ≥19 Math ≥19 Reading ≥19 Science ≥19 Program Options Should Include:

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Student and Family Benefits Practice taking tests used for high school and college admissions Test preparation materials Information on educational programs for gifted students across the U.S. Test scores reflecting a more accurate assessment of your child’s abilities Academic counseling information including recommended courses matched to your child’s ability level College planning materials A certificate of participation Award Ceremony invitation for top scorers (in grades 4-8) and/or a Center for Talent Development scholarship for top scorers

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School and Educator Benefits Counseling Materials Accurate and specific assessment information on your gifted students that can be used for placement and curriculum planning Academic counseling information including recommended courses matched to a student’s ability level Coordinator’s version of the MATS Planning and Resource Guide Information about educational options, such as dual enrollment, appropriate for gifted students Roster with scores of all participating students Upon request, schools may receive a label for each student’s school record documenting test results for this year. Interested school coordinators should call the Center to request this special service.

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Benefits (cont.) Publications •2007 MATS Coordinator Handbook 2007 Educational Program Guide, a listing of schools and programs for academically talented students in the Midwest and throughout the United States 2007 MATS Statistical Summary that compares your student’s scores with those of other MATS participants as well as college- bound seniors Fall and spring issues of Talent newsletter All Center for Talent Development materials sent to students Summer Program and Gifted LearningLinks brochures Recognitions School MATS certificate Individual MATS certificate for each participating student

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Common Misconceptions “Identification is too time consuming.” MATS will actually save school staff time in the long run. Staff can avoid making time- consuming guesses about gifted students’ real abilities. Staff can spend less time locating resources for each individual gifted student.

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Misconceptions (cont.) “It’s too expensive.” Total cost is only between $54 -$73, compared to a typical individual educational assessment at $400-$600. Students continue to receive information from CTD throughout high school. Fee waivers and financial aid are available to students who qualify.

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Misconceptions (cont.) “Since students can take ACT/SAT on their own, why pay the MATS fee?” ACT/SAT scores for younger students are confusing when viewed out of context. MATS provides easy-to- understand material to help young students and parents interpret scores and plan educational needs for the future.

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Misconceptions (cont.) “Our students are not interested in out-of- town opportunities, so why test?” To receive test scores and interpretive material To practice taking high school and college entrance exams To receive information about many kinds of programs that may interest the student

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Why Should Schools Invest in an Out of School Testing Process? Both families and educators receive valuable materials when their students participate in MATS.

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Talent Search: A Valuable Resource! CTD’s Talent Search provides parents and educators with fine-grained, detailed information about gifted students’ needs and abilities. It’s easy to participate. Registration starts in September and testing starts in January. Students can register online or use a paper application. Contact the CTD office, and we’ll send you a fall mailing with everything you’ll need to explain and register your students for this year’s Talent Search. Visit our website: www.ctd.northwestern.edu for our MATS online application.