Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of Kindergarten, First Grade and Second Grade Students,

Mars Area School District will administer the IOWA Test of Basic Skills (IOWA) and Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) to all Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade students beginning the Week of Feb. 5 in school.

The purpose for administering these assessments is: 

1. To determine gaps in our curriculum and to address those gaps properly;
2. To assist teachers in providing lessons at the student instructional level and to create effective enrichment/remediation strategies;
3. To have nationally normed data at Student Assistance Meetings and to assist in decisions about evaluation for additional supports and services; and
4. To have a reliable, summative assessment to screen students for placement into the District’s gifted program and/or special education programs.

Our goal is to make this experience as stress-free as possible for our students. We want this to be an enjoyable learning experience. At this young age, it is difficult for students to understand the meaning of tests. We would like them to view this as any other activity in the classroom, where they always do their best.

You do not need to discuss this with your child or put any additional pressure on them, as it may only serve to create anxiety. The test is for educational purposes only. The results of all assessments will be shared with you, once the testing company has returned them.

Thank you,

Dr. Travis W. Mineard
Director of Special Education
Mars Area School District