All second-grade students at JEMS will participate in South Carolina’s statewide Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) and Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) during October 13–17. These untimed assessments provide a well-rounded snapshot of each child’s readiness and achievement—measuring verbal, nonverbal, and quantitative reasoning (CogAT) and reading and mathematics skills (ITBS). Results help schools understand individual learning needs and are used to identify students who may qualify for the district’s E.M.E.R.G.E. gifted and talented program.
Families can support students by ensuring plenty of sleep, a healthy breakfast, and on-time arrival each morning. Please avoid scheduling appointments during the testing window so students can complete the assessments with their classmates.
Students who qualify for E.M.E.R.G.E. will be notified in late spring 2026. For questions, please contact Miriam Edwards at medwards@union.k12.sc.us.
More information can be found in the attached letter from the Union County School District.