Arizona Gifted and Talented Program

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Arizona defines a gifted student as one who demonstrates superior intellectual ability, advanced learning ability, or both and who requires differentiated educational services beyond the regular classroom.

Gifted programs vary by district and may include:

• Full-time self-contained gifted classrooms
• Pull-out enrichment programs
• Cluster grouping
• Honors and accelerated coursework
• Differentiated classroom instruction
• STEM and research opportunities
• Independent study
• Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Enrollment in high school

The specific services available depend on the school district and grade level.

Gifted Identification in Arizona

Unlike some states, Arizona allows local school districts flexibility in determining how students qualify for Gifted services.

Most districts use multiple measures when evaluating students, which may include:

• Cognitive ability assessments
• Academic achievement
• Classroom performance
• Teacher recommendations
• Parent input
• Student work samples
• Creativity or problem-solving ability

Many districts historically have considered students scoring at or above the 97th percentile on approved cognitive assessments for Gifted identification, although some districts may use different qualifying criteria or additional pathways.

Families should always consult their local district for current eligibility requirements.

Common Gifted Assessments Used in Arizona

Arizona districts use a variety of nationally recognized cognitive assessments.

Depending on the district, students may be evaluated using assessments such as:

• CogAT® (Cognitive Abilities Test)
• NNAT® (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test)
• NGAT® (Naglieri General Ability Tests)
• Raven’s Progressive Matrices
• Other state-approved cognitive assessments

Different districts may use different assessments or combinations of assessments during the identification process.

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Universal Gifted Screening

Arizona has encouraged broader access to Gifted identification through optional universal screening initiatives.

Many districts now screen students in second grade, although participation and implementation vary by district.

Universal screening helps identify students who may have previously been overlooked, including:

• English learners
• Students from underrepresented populations
• Twice-exceptional students (2e)
• Students whose abilities may not be reflected through classroom performance alone

Parents should check with their local school district to determine whether universal screening is offered and whether any parent permission is required.

CogAT Testing in Arizona

Many Arizona districts use the CogAT as part of their Gifted identification process.

The CogAT measures learned reasoning abilities rather than classroom knowledge. It evaluates how students solve new problems and recognize relationships between ideas.

The assessment measures three areas:

The CogAT is designed to measure reasoning abilities that help students learn, adapt, and solve unfamiliar problems.

Questions often look very different from traditional school assignments, making practice with the question types helpful for many students.

Second Grade CogAT Screening

Many Arizona districts that participate in statewide screening administer the CogAT Level 8, which is designed for second-grade students.

Depending on the district, the assessment may be given:

• Online
• Paper-and-pencil
• During the regular school day

Because screening schedules differ across districts, families should contact their local school for testing dates and procedures.

Gifted Program Models Across Arizona

Gifted services vary widely from district to district.

Examples include:

• Scottsdale Unified School District – Cognitive ability assessments and self-contained gifted services at selected schools.
• Deer Valley Unified School District – Gifted identification using cognitive assessments and differentiated programming.
• Tempe Elementary School District – Multiple identification measures and enrichment opportunities.
• Tucson Unified School District – Gifted services using multiple approved assessments and advanced learning options.
• Gilbert Public Schools – Self-contained gifted classrooms and enrichment services at participating schools.

Because local policies frequently change, families should review their district’s current Gifted education webpage for the latest information.

Characteristics of Gifted Learners

Gifted students often demonstrate characteristics such as:

• Exceptional curiosity
• Advanced vocabulary
• Rapid learning
• Strong memory
• Creative thinking
• Abstract reasoning
• Pattern recognition
• Advanced problem-solving skills
• Independent thinking
• Intense interests in specific subjects

Every gifted child is unique, and students may demonstrate giftedness in different ways.

How TestingMom Can Help

TestingMom helps students strengthen the reasoning skills commonly assessed during Gifted evaluations.

Our resources include practice in:

• Verbal reasoning
• Quantitative reasoning
• Nonverbal reasoning
• Pattern recognition
• Logic
• Critical thinking
• Reading comprehension
• Mathematics
• Executive function skills

For families preparing for the CogAT, TestingMom offers hundreds of age-appropriate practice questions, detailed answer explanations, interactive games, printable activities, and one-on-one tutoring.

Students can practice at their current level or work ahead to build advanced reasoning skills before testing.

Start today with 100 Free Practice Questions and help your child build confidence for Gifted testing.

VERBAL BATTERY

Picture Analogies

Do you see how the two pictures on top go together?  Choose the picture on the side that goes with the picture on the bottom the same way the pictures on top go together. 3^rd picture above the bubble.

Sentence Completion

Which one of these would break if you dropped it? 3^rd picture above the bubble.

Picture Classification

Do you see how the pictures on top are the same and go together?  Which picture on the bottom is the same as the pictures on top and belongs with them?  1^st picture above the bubble.

QUANTITATIVE BATTERY

Number Analogies 

Do you see how the pictures on top go together mathematically?  Choose the picture on the side that belongs with the picture on the bottom in the same way that the pictures on top go together.  1^st picture above the bubble.

Number Puzzles

Do you see how the first tugboat is pulling 4 red boxes?  Choose the picture on the bottom that goes where the question mark is so that the second tugboat will also be pulling 4 red boxes.  2^nd picture above the bubble.

Number Series

In the abacus above, do you see how the balls make a pattern or follow a rule? Which rod to the side goes in the last place to continue the pattern or follow the rule?  3^rd picture above the bubble.

NON-VERBAL BATTERY

Figure Matrices

Do you see how the two figures on top go together?  Choose the figure on the side that goes with the figure on the bottom the same way the figures on top go together. 1^st figure above the bubble.

Paper Folding

Look at the pictures across the top.  They show a piece of paper being folded and then a hole is punched into it.  Choose the picture on the bottom that shows what the piece of paper will look like when it is unfolded.  3^rd picture over the bubble.

Figure Classification

Do you see how the first 3 figures are the same and go together?  Which figure on the side is the same as the first 3 figures and belongs with them? C

Want to give your children the resources they need to meet all three CogAT batteries with confidence?

Join TestingMom.com! In addition to hundreds of practice questions, we’ve also got lessons for parents so you can help your child understand how to approach each question type strategically to uncover the right answer.

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How to Support Your Student Who Will Be Taking the CogAT in Arizona

If your child will be taking the CogAT in Arizona, we encourage you to join TestingMom.com.  As a member, you’ll have access to:

• Over 7,500 practice questions for CogAT – both interactive and printable,
• Online games to build skills for the CogAT test,
• On-demand webinars on how to prepare for each question type on the CogAT,
• One-to-one tutoring for the CogAT,
• Free live webinars about the CogAT where you can ask your own questions,
• Access to over 30 premier learning programs where your child can work on skills needed for CogAT and for school!

Additional CogAT Resources

• What is the CogAT Test?
• Best Methods for CogAT Test Prep
• Sample CogAT Practice Questions
• How is the CogAT Scored?

See if TestingMom.com supports your child’s test by your school district. If you don't see your child's school district listed, check with us! We have practice for other tests as well.