Schools assess students in grades K-12 with a wide variety of aptitude tests each year. In education, an aptitude test measures intellectual capacity for a variety of reasons. For some K-12 students, schools use the results of aptitude tests for educational placement or for admission to college. In addition, teachers use the results of aptitude tests to drive remediation and enrichment.
Kindergarten Aptitude Tests
Kindergarten students may be required to take an age-appropriate aptitude test prior to admission to kindergarten. There is a wide variety of commonly accepted aptitude tests for kindergarten age children. The Sanford-Bidet, the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence are notable aptitude assessments used by many institutions.
Elementary Grades Aptitude Tests
Educators use the Modern Language Aptitude Test – Elementary (MLAT-E), an aptitude test that assesses students from the end of the second grade through the seventh grade to measure aptitude in language and or foreign language acquisition. Additionally, teachers can use test as a diagnostic tool to identify students that may have trouble in language learning. Schools can also use the results as a placement tool for remediation or enrichment.
Middle and High School Aptitude Tests
The Occupational Aptitude Survey and Interest Schedule-3 (OASIS-3:AS) is an aptitude test that measures skills and abilities that align with a wide variety of occupations. Students in the eighth grade through adulthood may use the results to help isolate a potential occupation. Used with individuals seventh grade through adulthood, the Differential Aptitude Test (DAT), measures general cognitive abilities, perceptual abilities and clerical and language skills to help determine suitability for hiring in a variety of working environments.
High School Aptitude Tests
College admission committees use some aptitude tests to predict potential academic performance in college.The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), is the most widely used aptitude test to determine college readiness. Some schools use the American College Test (ACT) as an indicator of college readiness. These tests help to determine course placement and may be instrumental in institutional decisions regarding scholarship and financial aid.