Above Grade Level Testing Through NUMATS



NUMATSImagine that you’re measuring a roomful of kids with a yardstick. That’s fine for the kids who are shorter than three feet, but for those who are taller, the yardstick is an inadequate tool. The same is true for gifted kids—to measure their abilities, you need a better tool than a grade-level test, one that can measure above that 99th percentile where the yardstick ends.

That better tool is Northwestern University’s Midwest Academic Talent Search (NUMATS). Started in 1982, NUMATS is a program of the Center for Talent Development (CTD) that offers above-grade-level testing for high-performing students in grades 3 through 9. This Talent Search approach is an extremely well-researched and respected program model in gifted education.

NUMATS uses tests intended for older students to provide a more accurate measurement of aptitude, because studies show that students who score in the top 10% on school achievement tests differ widely from average students in their abilities and educational needs. In-grade achievement tests just don’t accurately represent these gifted students’ potential.
NUMATS uses the EXPLORE test—developed by ACT and normally given to students in grade 8—to determine the abilities of students in grades 3 through 6. The ACT and the SAT tests, typically used for college admissions, provide a more accurate picture of the mathematical and verbal reasoning abilities of students in grades 6 through 9.
After students test, parents receive comprehensive information from CTD about how their student measures up to other gifted students. This valuable feedback helps families plan for the future.

The top scoring students are recognized by special invitation to the Talent Search ceremony in Evanston, IL, on the campus of Northwestern University. There is also an award ceremony in St. Paul for Minnesota top scorers.

The Edina Center for Academic Excellence will host a test site again this year for the January 21, 2012, EXPLORE test at South View Middle School in Edina for children that are in grades 3-6.  There are also many other test sites around the metro area that will offer both SAT or ACT testing for this coming NUMATS search. The deadline for registering for our test site is December 15, 2011. Register online (choose “South View Middle School,” #208480 as your test center site) at:  http://www.ctd.northwestern.edu/numats/register

While students take the EXPLORE test at ecae’s test site, parents can relax in a nearby room and enjoy refreshments.  Representatives of ecae will be available to discuss gifted education and answer questions about academic opportunities available through ecae.

The Edina Center for Academic Excellence School Code is 8302562.   Families may enter this number during the registration process to have a copy of their student’s NUMATS results sent to us.  ecae will begin a student file which will be used to advise families, at their request, on academic planning, course recommendations, acceleration guidance, underachievement guidance, and college planning.  Feel free to contact any one of the Directors at any time with your questions.  We understand that the hardest part of being a first time parent is simply not knowing what is available and out there to support your bright student.

Questions about NUMATS EXPLORE testing? Email us.

Posted in Academic Planning

AMC 8, AMC 10, and AMC 12 Testing



 ECAE offers the AMC 8, AMC 10, AMC 12, and AIME for those students who are unable to take these exams at their school.

    The American Mathematics Competitions:

  •       Is dedicated to the goal of strengthening the mathematical capabilities of our nation’s youth. We believe that one way to meet this goal is to identify, recognize and reward excellence in mathematics through a series of national contests.
  • What happens before and after the AMC Contests can have lasting educational value. Talents will be enhanced if one practices beforehand, by working through previous examinations, by participating in math leagues and, most importantly, by studying mathematics more intensely than one normally does in school.

              AMC’s Contests and Programs                   

Posted in Math Competitions

AMC 10 & AMC 12



American Mathematics Competition 10 – AMC 10

What: American Mathematics Competition 10

When: Tuesday, February  07, 2012 – 4:00 pm “A” date,  and/or Wednesday, February 22, 2012 – 4:00 pm “B” date

Where: Edina Community Center, Edina

Who: Any student in grades 10 and below

Cost: $15

The AMC 10 is a 25 question, 75 minute multiple choice examination in secondary school mathematics containing problems which can be understood and solved with pre-calculus concepts. Calculators are not allowed starting in 2008.

The main purpose of the AMC 10 is to spur interest in mathematics and to develop talent through the excitement of solving challenging problems in a timed multiple-choice format. The problems range from the very easy to the extremely difficult. Students who participate in the AMC 10 should find that most of the problems are challenging but within their grasp. The contest is intended for everyone from the average student at a typical school who enjoys mathematics to the very best student at the most special school.

 

American Mathematics Competition 12 – AMC 12

What: American Mathematics Competition 12

When: Tuesday, February  07, 2012 – 4:00 pm “A” date,  and/or Wednesday, February 22, 2012 – 4:00 pm “B” date

Where: Edina Community Center, Edina

Who: Any student in grades 12 and below

Cost: $15

The AMC 12 is a 25 question, 75 minute multiple choice examination in secondary school mathematics containing problems which can be understood and solved with pre-calculus concepts. Calculators are not allowed starting in 2008.

The main purpose of the AMC 12 is to spur interest in mathematics and to develop talent through solving challenging problems in a timed multiple-choice format. What happens before and after the AMC 12 can have lasting educational value. Talents will be enhanced if one practices beforehand, by working through previous examinations, by participating in math leagues and, most importantly, by studying mathematics more intensely than one normally does in high school.

Posted in Math Competitions
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