A “one size fits all” approach to academic differentiation leaves a large percentage of students without necessary support. Instead of implementing sweeping interventions, we must carefully craft instruction to meet students where they are.

But where are they? Administering a teacher-friendly evidence-based benchmark assessment to all students can kickstart the process of individualizing instruction. Educators can quickly create a longitudinal datapoint and identify students’ strengths and weaknesses.

Chances are, you already have an idea of what your students have learned. You’ve got benchmark tests, chapter quizzes, portfolios of student work – any number of data points that demonstrate what your students have achieved. But do you know how your students learn?  

Ability, also called aptitude or student potential for learning, provides insight into students’ readiness to demonstrate creative problem-solving skills and learn in different situations and learning environments.  With the unique CogAT Ability Profile^TM, ensure you know how to maximize your students' potential.  

A multifaceted approach to identification for special programs can be pivotal to ensure that the right students are receiving services. Such an approach helps identify students who take advantage of the opportunities given to them and encourages their teachers and school communities to continue providing those students with the opportunities they deserve.

Learn how one district used data from CogAT and the Iowa Assessments to ensure equitable participation in special programs and inform instruction.