New Research Supports Above-Level Testing and Gifted Programming
The current issue of CTD’s Talent Newsletter features a piece on above-grade-level testing, exploring how “Above-grade-level testing is not just an accurate assessment of current ability; it’s a valid predictor of future professional achievement and creative output.” David Lubinski, Vanderbilt University professor, expounds on recent findings from research he and colleagues conducted.
Lubinski’s study focused on profoundly gifted individuals. Participants had been identified at age 12 through above-level testing procedures, such as those used by Northwestern University’s Midwest Academic Talent Search (NUMATS). NUMATS allows gifted students to take tests including EXPLORE, ACT and SAT at earlier grade levels than they are designed to be administered. Taking tests developed for older students eliminates the “ceiling factor” thus providing a more accurate measure of ability than that gained from standard grade-level achievement tests.
Researchers tracked the study participants for nearly three decades. Results showed that the students’ relative strengths at age 12 were predictive of the area in which they excelled 35 years later and the above-grade-level test scores were indeed early indicators of professional achievement. By age 38, participants had worked for an impressive array of high caliber organizations and had distinguished themselves time and again with patents obtained, creative works produced, and awards received.
Read the CTD interview with Lubinski here.
As presented in this issue of Talent the results of above-grade-level testing offered through NUMATS accurately assess current ability, and are a valid predictor of future professional achievement and creative output. Annual participation in NUMATS offers parents and educators an effective means of tracking academic growth from year to year. Online registration for fall tests is open now.
Lubinski’s study focused on profoundly gifted individuals. Participants had been identified at age 12 through above-level testing procedures, such as those used by Northwestern University’s Midwest Academic Talent Search (NUMATS). NUMATS allows gifted students to take tests including EXPLORE, ACT and SAT at earlier grade levels than they are designed to be administered. Taking tests developed for older students eliminates the “ceiling factor” thus providing a more accurate measure of ability than that gained from standard grade-level achievement tests.
Researchers tracked the study participants for nearly three decades. Results showed that the students’ relative strengths at age 12 were predictive of the area in which they excelled 35 years later and the above-grade-level test scores were indeed early indicators of professional achievement. By age 38, participants had worked for an impressive array of high caliber organizations and had distinguished themselves time and again with patents obtained, creative works produced, and awards received.
Read the CTD interview with Lubinski here.
As presented in this issue of Talent the results of above-grade-level testing offered through NUMATS accurately assess current ability, and are a valid predictor of future professional achievement and creative output. Annual participation in NUMATS offers parents and educators an effective means of tracking academic growth from year to year. Online registration for fall tests is open now.