[Ohiogift] Cognitive Testing for ESL Students

[Eric C Calvert]

To build on Colleen’s comments, I would add to this a recommendation against trying to translate an English-language test “in house.” The gold standard is to use tests where the publisher provides a form of that test that has not merely been translated, but actually validated with students whose first language is the language of the test form.

Unfortunately, the options available on the approved list are limited in this regard. (A Spanish form of the WISC is available, but you really need a fluent Spanish speaker to administer and score it who is also qualified to administer the WISC. So, that’s a significant barrier for many districts.)

So, I would probably advise to also test any ESL students who speak Spanish as their first language who scored anywhere remotely close to the cut score for identification in the superior cognitive area using NNAT or CogAT using an achievement test in Spanish to see if they can be identified in specific academic areas. The Logramos is aligned with the Iowa Tests but has been specifically re-validated with native Spanish speaking students, as has the Woodcock-Munoz. There’s also a Spanish form of the Terra Nova called Supera (although Supera is not explicitly approved.)

But, while the current “approved” options for identification in the superior cognitive area are so limited, I would also suggest that districts with EL populations consider reviewing their criteria for accessing services so that EL students who are identified in specific academic areas but fall short in the superior cognitive area aren’t weeded out unnecessarily. Hopefully in the future the menu of testing options will expand so there are testing options in all the identification categories that allow schools to select tests that are appropriate for each student and purpose. For now, be mindful of how the limitations of testing options might stack the decks against bright non-native English speakers in your districts.


--
Eric Calvert, Ed.D.
Associate Director
Center for Talent Development
Northwestern University
ctd.northwestern.edu

From: Ohiogift <ohiogift-bounces at lists.osu.edu> on behalf of "Colleen Boyle, PhD via Ohiogift" <ohiogift at lists.osu.edu>
Reply-To: "Colleen Boyle, PhD" <boyleconsulting at me.com>
Date: Monday, October 29, 2018 at 2:20 PM
To: Angie Horvath <horvath at bcs-k12.org>, "ohiogift at lists.osu.edu" <ohiogift at lists.osu.edu>
Subject: Re: [Ohiogift] Cognitive Testing for ESL Students

The NNAT meets the reliability and validity requirements set forth by ODE for use for gifted ID. So, that should not be a concern. Peer-reviewed research is mixed when it comes to the NNAT or non-verbal tests. But, given the options, they have been effective in my personal experience. My district uses the NNAT for whole grade screening in 2nd grade and have been pleased with the outcomes. We also use the CogAT for grade 5 screening and use the Non-Verbal/Quantitative composite for English learners. It has allowed us to pick up a few students, but not as many as the NNAT.

What we have also found is that the results are questioned when individuals try to compete gifted English Learners to the stereotypes of what they think a gifted child should be like - which is usually rooted in an English-speaking culture. So, if the plan is to identify the students and then place them in a program that is not culturally sensitive, you will encounter pushback and concerns that the scores are invalid. You will want to pair the use of the NNAT (or the test you choose) with professional development for teachers - including your GT staff - about the type of thinking assessed by the test and how to understand the outcomes along with nature of and needs of gifted English learners (including cultural awareness specific to the cultures represented in your community).

Colleen Boyle

On Oct 29, 2018, at 3:03 PM, Angie Horvath via Ohiogift <ohiogift at lists.osu.edu<mailto:ohiogift at lists.osu.edu>> wrote:

Hello,

We have recently had a lot of Spanish speaking students move into our district.  I would like to provide superior cognitive screening for these students.  Does anyone have an ESL nonverbal test that they have used that they really like?  In addition, is there one you have used that you feel is not as valid?

We own the NNAT (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test).  Any feedback on the validity of the scores obtained from the use of this test would be appreciated.

Thanks so much,

Angie



Angie Horvath

Coordinator of Gifted Services

Bellefontaine City Schools

937-651-3480

horvath at bcs-k12.org<mailto:horvath at bcs-k12.org>
_______________________________________________
Ohiogift mailing list
Ohiogift at lists.osu.edu<mailto:Ohiogift at lists.osu.edu>
https://lists.osu.edu/mailman/listinfo/ohiogift<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__lists.osu.edu_mailman_listinfo_ohiogift&d=DwMFaQ&c=yHlS04HhBraes5BQ9ueu5zKhE7rtNXt_d012z2PA6ws&r=MrZYg2VdB9HNY47M-u1ATVyEftRbTOo37mVHRsYl1UU&m=PVuN70NXZz44ax0dc5IWvt7lU0a50wNjVP4eADHQNuI&s=gwCgMzCwYriurhhg7dBYnUEJxXZApEXFhSBv3QUMOOU&e=>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.osu.edu/pipermail/ohiogift/attachments/20181029/a69272d7/attachment.html>