EAJ Institute
New Vistas is proud to offer a range of assessment opportunities for students, including off grade level assessment for gifted programming, as well as ability and specialty assessment.
The EAJ Institute provides administration of academic assessment services to students in pre-kindergarten through tenth-grade. These include:
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Achievement tests in a number of subject areas; such as reading, mathematics, science, mechanics of writing and English expression. These tests determine a student's instructional level in each particular area making it possible to provide the appropriate level of instruction.
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Diagnostic academic tests which are designed to identify a particular area of difficulty that a student may be having in the learning process.
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Reasoning abilities tests are also available to assist in identifying a student's potential to perform in certain areas of reasoning such as verbal, quantitative and non-verbal.
Testing is available year-round. Please call New Vistas Center for Education for further information and/or an appointment for testing.
Kindergarten Testing
Continuing Student Battery
Receptive Language, and Nonverbal Reasoning Assessments
New Student Battery
Receptive Language, Nonverbal Reasoning, and Skills Assessment
Early Admission to Kindergarten Battery
Available for students turning 5 between September 1 and December 31. Students are administered our Kindergarten Battery of Assessments as well as observed before decisions are made for Early Admission to kindergarten.
Achievement Testing
Sequential Test of Educational Progress (STEP)
These tests are designed to evaluate student progress toward fulfilling the broad, general goals of education in the areas of math and reading (subtests used at NVCE). The main purpose of the STEP Reading test is to evaluate the student's ability to read new material with comprehension, insight, and critical understanding. The STEP Math tests assess competence and skills which are essential in the recognition and application of mathematical concepts
NWEA Measurement of Academic Progress (MAP Growth)
MAP Growth is a computer adaptive test created by NWEA that can be administered 2-3 times per school year. The results provide information to help deliver appropriate content for each student and determine academic growth over time. In addition, scores can be used as a goal setting tool to drive instruction and provide a rigorous, robust learning plan.
Gifted Testing
CogAT
The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) is a multiple-choice test designed to measure a child's academic aptitude and gifted abilities. The CogAT Form 7, the most common version of the test, measures cognitive development and problem-solving skills. CogAT tests are made up of three sections: Verbal Battery, Quantitative Battery, and Nonverbal Battery.
Raven's 2
The Raven's Progressive Matrices 2 is a nonverbal assessment of general cognitive ability. The Raven's 2 measures eductive ability. Eductive ability involves the ability to think clearly and solve complex problems. The Raven's 2 items consist of universal geometric shapes that are recognizable with any level of education. The test requires only minimal verbal instruction and no spoken or written responses. These features minimize the impact that language skills and cultural backgrounds may have on the results. The Raven's 2 is recognized as a valid assessment by the state of Arizona to qualify for gifted programs.
Specialty Testing
Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test
The Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test measures the receptive vocabulary of children and adults. It is a norm-referenced, wide-ranging instrument the is untimed and individually administered. Knowledge of a person's English vocabulary scope is useful when evaluating language competence, selecting the level and content of instruction and measuring learning. Vocabulary is related to reading comprehension and remediation of vocabulary deficits can be a useful part of a reading improvement program. Vocabulary also correlates highly with general verbal ability.
EVT-2
The Expressive Vocabulary Test 2 (EVT-2) is an individually administered, norm-referenced instrument that assesses expressive vocabulary and word retrieval for children beginning at age 2 years 6 months. It measures expressive vocabulary knowledge with two types of items, labeling and synonym. In EVT-2 the examiner presents a picture from the test easel and reads a stimulus question from the record form. The items are presented in increasing difficulty. The EVT-2 is a quick measure of expressive vocabulary and word retrieval with the following key features concerning development, administration, scoring, and reporting and interpretation.
Raven's 2
The Raven's Progressive Matrices 2 is a nonverbal assessment of general cognitive ability. The Raven's 2 measures eductive ability. Eductive ability involves the ability to think clearly and solve complex problems. The Raven's 2 items consist of universal geometric shapes that are recognizable with any level of education. The test requires only minimal verbal instruction and no spoken or written responses. These features minimize the impact that language skills and cultural backgrounds may have on the results.
AMC 8
The AMC 8 test is a 25-question, 40-minute, multiple-choice examination in middle-school mathematics designed to promote the development of problem-solving skills. The AMC 8 provides an opportunity for students to develop positive attitudes towards analytical thinking and mathematics that can assist in future endeavors. Students apply classroom skills to unique problem-solving challenges in a low-stress and friendly environment.
Testing Preparation
SCAT
The School and College Ability Test is offered in three levels: Elementary (grades 2-3 designed for 4-5 graders), Intermediate (grades 4-5 designed for 6-8 graders) and Advanced (grades 6 & above designed for students in grades 9-12). This is a standardized test that measures math and verbal reasoning abilities in gifted children. A score at the 95th percentile on a nationally-normed test is required to take the test. There are 55 questions per section. The quantitative section requires a student to compare two mathematical quantities and determine which is greater. The verbal section consists of multiple-choice analogy questions. The SCAT percentiles are compared to the older population of students who would normally take that level of test.
If you have questions about our testing program, please contact us. We are happy to help.
Kristi Roher
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