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Perkiomen Valley staff propose replacing CogAT with Naglieri screener; debate on equity and identification ensues
Summary
District staff proposed moving the universal gifted screener from the CogAT to the Naglieri (nonverbal) test to reduce language bias and improve identification equity; the plan would roll out in March and could increase referrals and future staffing needs, prompting lengthy debate about race, parental advocacy and the limits of test change.
District administrators presented a multi‑year task‑force recommendation to replace the CogAT universal screener with the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) for second graders as a first step toward more equitable gifted identification.
Why the change: Presenters said the Naglieri uses pictures, shapes and patterns with minimal language demands to reduce the influence of prior language exposure or cultural knowledge. Staff argued that state and local data show disparities in gifted identification across racial and socioeconomic groups and that a nonverbal screener could help identify students whose potential is masked by the CogAT’s language demands.
Costs and process: Administrators estimated about $4,000 to administer all three Naglieri subtests to the district’s grade‑2 cohort, plus a $300 allowance for 25 additional tests across K–9 or for MTSS referrals. If results generate more permission‑to‑evaluate requests, school psychologists could face increased testing workloads, and staffing or service delivery might need to be expanded.
Board debate: The proposal prompted robust debate. One attendee argued that changing tests won’t address out‑of‑school factors that affect performance; others said the district should exhaust in‑system adjustments before concluding test bias is the cause. Administrators emphasized the proposal is part of a larger review of K–8 referral and identification procedures and that the screener change would be accompanied by MTSS oversight and consulting from IU gifted experts.
Next steps: Staff said they would pilot the Naglieri in the March testing window pending board approval and train district leads on administration. The committee asked for follow‑up data on how other Pennsylvania districts have fared with the Naglieri, projected impacts on referrals, and implications for gifted program delivery if identifications increase.
