NNAT2 Test and English Proficiency Implications

posted by Karen Quinn, The Testing Mom - August 10th, 2012

At first, it may seem odd that the NNAT2 test has the ability to shed some light on English proficiency issues with school children, since the NNAT2 is actually short for the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test, Version 2. The NNAT2 test’s format and the methods for answering test questions are all nonverbal and instead use visual images, diagrams, graphs and other graphics to present questions and in the student’s selection of answers.

So if the exam is entirely nonverbal, how can it show if a student has English proficiency issues? It’s actually the fact that the exam is nonverbal in nature that can draw English proficiency into question for some students. If a student performs very well on the NNAT2 test but does not generally perform well in the classroom and on standard homework and tests, then it may be because he or she does not have the language skills necessary for everyday academic success.

The NNAT2 test measures intellectual capability and general IQ. A strong score on the exam indicates high or advanced intelligence. A child who does poorly otherwise in academia may be hindered by English proficiency issues rather than other academic or intellectual challenges, especially for students whose first language is not English.