Cognitive Abilities Tests, or CATs, are used in schools to evaluate a student’s aptitude and help place them in the right academic setting. They typically assess verbal, nonverbal, spatial, and quantitative reasoning skills.
These tests generate a variety of scores, including raw scores, grade-equivalent scores, percentile scores, and stanine scores. Understanding these scores can be confusing, but it’s essential for parents and educators alike.
In this article, we’ll break down what these CAT scores mean and how to interpret them.
Cognitive Abilities Tests (CATs): Purpose and Structure
CATs, or Cognitive Abilities Tests, are often used in schools to get a read on students’ general academic abilities.
CATs in Schools
CATs are most commonly administered in Year 7, though sometimes they’re given in Year 9 as well. How often a school gives CATs varies from place to place. In general, schools don’t share CAT results with students or parents.
CAT Test Structure and Content
CATs (specifically CAT4) are usually divided into four sections:
- Verbal Reasoning: Tests how well you understand and use language.
- Non-verbal Reasoning: Tests your problem-solving skills without using language.
- Spatial Reasoning: Tests your ability to see and work with shapes.
- Quantitative Reasoning: Tests your math skills and understanding.
Each section takes about 40 minutes to complete.
Decoding CAT Score Types
If your child has taken the Canadian Achievement Test, you’ll likely see several different types of scores listed on their report. Here’s a quick guide to what those scores mean.
Raw Scores
A raw score is simply the number of questions your child answered correctly. Raw scores aren’t helpful for comparing your child’s performance to that of other students.
Grade Equivalent Scores
Grade equivalent scores compare your child’s performance to the median score of students in the same grade. For example, if your 4th grader gets a grade equivalent score of 6.0 in math, their math skills are on par with the average 6th grader.
Keep in mind that a grade equivalent score above or below your child’s current grade doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ready to move up a grade or that they’re in danger of failing.
Percentile Scores
A percentile score shows the percentage of students who scored lower than your child. So, if your child scores in the 75th percentile, that means they scored higher than 75% of the students who took the test.
Percentile scores are useful for comparing your child’s performance across different sections of the test.
Stanine Scores
Stanine scores are based on a 9-point scale, with 5 representing the average. These scores are based on the standard deviation from the average score.
A stanine of 9 is the highest possible score, while a stanine of 1 is the lowest. Because they’re based on standard deviation, stanine scores are useful for statistical calculations.
Interpreting CAT Scores: What Do They Mean?
Once your child has taken the CAT test, you’ll likely be wondering what the score means. CAT scores are often broken down into tiers, which are used by schools to assess your child’s learning abilities and potential.
Understanding CAT Score Tiers
CAT scores typically fall into these ranges:
- Outstanding ability: 130+
- Highly talented: 120+
- Above average: 112+
- Average: 89-111
- Below average: 88 or less
Schools may use these scores to determine class placement or to tailor learning plans to your child’s specific needs.
CAT Scores vs. Other Assessments
It’s important to note that CATs are different from SATs, which are taken at the end of Key Stages in primary school. CATs are generally used in secondary schools.
Also, universities generally don’t use CATs scores for admissions. The CATs results are more for internal school use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a normal CAT score?
The CAT, or COPD Assessment Test, is used to measure the impact of COPD on a person’s life. It’s scored from 0 to 40, with higher scores indicating a greater impact of COPD. “Normal” isn’t really the right word here, as the test is designed for people who already have COPD. But a score of 10 or less suggests a lower impact on daily life.
What does a CAT score tell you?
A CAT score provides a snapshot of how COPD is affecting your well-being. It reflects the severity of symptoms like cough, phlegm, chest tightness, breathlessness, and how these symptoms interfere with your daily activities and overall quality of life. It’s a useful tool for tracking changes over time and assessing the effectiveness of treatment.
What is a good score for cats?
Okay, just to be clear, we’re talking about the COPD Assessment Test, not actual cats! A “good” CAT score is a low one. The lower the score, the less COPD symptoms are impacting your life. Aiming for a score under 10 is a reasonable goal, but it’s important to work with your doctor to determine what’s best for you.
What is considered a good CAT score?
Generally, a CAT score of 10 or below is considered a good score. This means that COPD symptoms are having a minimal impact on your daily life. However, any improvement in your CAT score, even if it doesn’t reach 10, is a positive sign that your COPD management plan is working.
Summary
CAT scores offer insights into a child’s cognitive abilities and learning potential, but they only tell part of the story. It’s important to remember that these tests aren’t designed to be studied for, as they measure innate abilities rather than learned knowledge.
Parents and educators should use CAT scores as one of many data points to understand a student’s strengths and areas for growth. These scores can help tailor educational approaches to better support each child’s unique learning journey.