My child sat the test last year.
Why should they take it again?
Who is eligible to sit this test? As this is an above level test it
is being offered to gifted students. Students need to be in Year 4, 5 or 6
at the time of testing. Students who are home educated are also welcome to
register for the test if they meet qualifying criteria.
To be eligible to register for the test students need to be within the top 5% of
their Year on either a measure of potential (IQ result) or performance
(achievement in school). More details about the sorts of tests that provide the
information you need are listed below. If you don’t have evidence from one of
the listed tests, a letter from the teacher or school indicating the child’s
achievement is within the top 5% will be accepted.
What is the date of the testing? The testing will be held on 9
April 2011. Testing will commence at 9.00am and takes around 3 hours with breaks to
complete the 4 parts of the test. You will need to arrive to register at 8.30am.
(rural test centres may have slightly different times, you will receive
information specific to your test site prior to the test date).
Can we test on another day? No, the testing is only being
offered on 9th April 2011. Everyone must sit the test at the same time and all
materials will be returned to the USA for marking and processing immediately following the testing.
Where is the test being held? It is anticipated that there
will be a number of test
venues to choose from in 2011 including Wesley College in South Perth, Geraldton
Gramma School in Geraldton and Great Southern Grammar in Albany. Test centre choices will appear on the registration form. Testing
will start at 9am, with registration prior to this. It is possible that times in
regional centres may be slightly different but you will be receive detailed
information when you receive your ticket and preparation materials.
You will need to choose a test location when you register and must test at
that location.
A map directing you to the
location (and room if appropriate) where the testing will be held
will be sent to you prior to the
test.
How much does it cost? The cost to sit the EXPLORE is
$97.00. This covers the cost of sitting the test, the marking, 2 copies of the
results, and the Resource Guide and other information which you will receive or
access following the testing.
What does the test cover? EXPLORE includes four
multiple-choice tests each of which take 30 minutes to complete. Subject areas
covered include English, Maths, Reading and Science. Questions are in multiple
choice format and children complete all 4 tests during the morning. For more
information about the test content along with sample questions
click here (this link
takes you to the EXPLORE site).
How will it help my child to sit this
test? The EXPLORE test provides students
with test scores that reflect a more accurate assessment of their abilities.
But beyond testing, participants have been sown to reap many other
benefits. They gain self-confidence. They’re more willing to take on
challenges. And they start to think more about what they can achieve not only in
school, but in life. It can also lead to increased self-confidence and brings
them into the company of similarly capable peers. The results of the testing can
also help educators better understand your child’s ability and assist you in
advocating for appropriately challenging educational opportunities for them.
What happens after I register my
child for the test? After the registration process has
been completed you will receive an email which will confirm your
child’s registration for the EXPLORE test on 9th April 2011. You need to print
this email and bring it with you to the day of the test. You will also receive,
electronically or by post, a booklet that provides information to assist you and your child in
getting ready for the EXPLORE test along with information about how to find the
venue and what to bring.
You will need to provide information about the category under which your
child qualifies to take this test when you register. The following indications
of potential or performance within the top 5% are suitable.
Results of an individually administered IQ test eg WISC IV or SB5
showing potential at or beyond the 95th percentile (please send just the
results page rather than the whole report)
Results of a group administered IQ test eg SPM, TOLA, NELSON Verbal
or NELSON Non Verbal test showing scores at or beyond the 95th
percentile
A letter confirming your child qualified for PEAC (even if they are
not attending PEAC this year)
Scores at or beyond the 95th percentile on a nationally standardised
achievement test that has been administered by your child’s school in
maths or reading comprehension eg. PAT-M, PAT-R. (if you have been
provided with information showing results as Stanines rather than scores
you need results at Stanine 9)
A High Distinction on one of the ICAS (or
UNSW) tests in English, Maths or Science
A letter (on school letter head) from your child’s teacher or school
indicating that his or her performance is within the top 5% of their
year group
Will my child be able to manage the
test? The test is challenging and may
contain material your child has not been exposed to at school. However, many
gifted children are more able than they may demonstrate in the classroom and
many who take the test describe it as the highlight of their year and thoroughly
enjoy the challenge. Looking at some of the sample questions on the EXPLORE test
site may help you decide.
What information do I get about how my
child went in the test? About 6 weeks after the testing
you will be sent 2 copies of your child’s results. You will also receive a
Statistical Summary showing how your child compared to other children the same
age in the USA who also sat the test, a Long Range Academic Plan showing
percentile rankings for each year level and a Planning and Resource Guide
prepared by the Centre for Talent Development at Northwestern University in
Illinois. Some of the information in this resource guide may not be directly
applicable to Australia but will provide you with useful information about the
sorts of provisions that may be beneficial for gifted children. As this is a
pilot program this year we have not been able to prepare materials specific to
the Australia education system. Materials will be posted to you in hard copy
this year.
Where can I find out more about the
EXPLORE test? Further information about the test
content along with sample questions can be viewed by
clicking here. This link
will open in a new window and will take you to the EXPLORE site. You will also
be able to find further information and Frequently Asked Questions about the
EXPLORE test by
clicking here.
You may also like to browse some of the research relating to gifted children
from the Centre for Talent Development at Northwestern University which you will
find here
