OT: What do you know about SAGES testing?

[dismom301930]

Does anyone have any experience with SAGES testing for gifted children? Is it an IQ test? I did a Google search, but didn't have much luck finding out what the actual test will be like. The child being tested is in first grade, if that helps. Any information you have would be very much appreciated!

 

[surfgirl]

I'm not familar with SAGES. Most private schools look for WPPSI or WISC test scores -- they are basically intelligence tests (WPPSI - preschool and WISC - older kids).

SAGES stands for Screening Assessment for Gifted Elementary and Middle School students. In my quick look, it looks like a New Jersey thing.

google under SAGES-II -- may be more helpful.

 

[Dizneydaz]

I think it's the same thing called GATE in our area (Gifted and Talented Education). Here they test them in the 2nd grade. My DD7 just took it this month and they'll let us know the results in April. Apparently, the whole process is very hush, hush. I know that they did verbal, and written, testing. They also tested them on things they hadn't learned yet, i.e. what's 15 x 15? I've been asking parents, and teachers, at our school, what exactly they do for GATE students and from what I can find out, it's up to each school how they handle "GATE identified students" Some schools have them in special classes, go on special trips, etc. Some just give them some additional, more exciting?, work to do, and collect the extra money from the state. Apparently, the state gives the schools more money for GATE students.

After checking at my school, and if my DD is GATE, I don't think I'll make any immeadiate changes for her. Our schools here are year round, and some of the schools will change them to a different track, to participate in GATE. We also have a GATE school nearby, that if my DD gets in, I will check out. This is the same, or similar, program that when I went to school was called MGM (mentally gifted minors). My DM recently told me the reason I didn't get in MGM was that I was too stubborn! When they tested me, if I thought my answer was right, they, apparently, couldn't convince me otherwise. I AM NOT STUBBORN, I'M NOT, I'M NOT!!

Hope this helps.

 

[LIGrumpyGirl]

I am a GT teacher. We are giving that test for the first time in 2 weeks to my 5th graders. Maybe I can fill you more in then...PM me if you want.

 

[WDWfor5]

My DD took SAGEs II in Kindergarden as part of the process to decide whether she would be in the GATE program (Gifted & Talented). It is not a widely used test and is not accepted at private schools or for entry into gifted programs outside of the district it's given in. It's supposed to be a test of multiple intelligences.

i wasn't personally impressed by it - it seems to test knowledge vs. ability. Meaning what is the capitol of the USA (in Kindergarten) vs. logical reasoning skills. Typically tests of giftedness are setup so that it's not a test of how much mommy prepped you or how well traveled you are but rather what you can figure out.

The professionals I've talked to in the field of gifted education have either never heard of SAGES or don't hold it in particulary high esteem for whatever reason. But my DD's school still uses it so oh well.

Good luck with the testing process.