The SCAT measures specific abilities in the verbal and quantitative areas. This test provides information essential for making general decisions concerning level and pace of instruction. Because its focus is on aptitude, the SCAT should not be used in isolation to make decisions about specific educational objectives.

The SCAT (like the STEP) can provide information about a student’s ability and achievement levels relative to same-age or older peers. Either in-grade-level or above-grade-level testing can be chosen:

• In-level testing provides information about the student’s abilities and skills relative to other students in the same grade. The test content is appropriate for an average student in that grade. If a student’s academic performance is fair or good, but not exceptional, in-level testing is appropriate.

• Above-level testing provides information about the students’ abilities and skills relative to older students. In cases where there is evidence of exceptional ability, above-level assessment is recommended. Students who are highly able often score at the very highest levels (e.g., 97th, 98th, or 99th percentiles) on tests designed for students in their grade. In these cases, there is no way of knowing whether a student could correctly answer a substantial number of higher-level questions unless a more difficult test is administered.