Cogat vs. Iowa scores - vastly different results

[Guest eaglecow]

Hi all -

I'm new to this group, but am trying to find some insights into testing scores. My 2nd grader took the Cogats this fall and scored a 99 verbal, 92 quant and 79 non-verbal, which gave her a 95 overall score.  She needed a 96 to get into our Talent Development program at her public school. So they had her take the Iowa test. She scored a 99 on verbal and a 55 on the math.  Based on this outcome, she qualified as TD for reading but not math and is entering a "portfolio" process to try to qualify her for the math side.

 

I'm concerned about the huge difference between her 92 and 55 scores. I'm really surprised at the 55. Is it possible to "accidentally" score high on the Cogat? I can certainly see how it would be easy to have a bad day or get off a line on your answer sheet and do poorly, but can you luck out and get a 92? I'm trying to figure out which test is the accurate assessment of her math abilities. 

 

Any insights from those of you more versed in the subject of these tests than I?

 

Thank you!

[EKS]

If she took the second grade ITBS, there is no answer sheet to get off on. They mark their answers in the test booklet. And there is no time limit, so she couldn't have run out of time. But it is much more likely that the low score is incorrect, in the sense that it inaccurately describes her math ability. Maybe she just had a bad day.

 

As for which score is accurate--how are her math skills? The score that aligns with your day to day experience of her skills is likely the "correct" one.