Academic Talent Search

Does your student score at the top of the class on most standardized tests? Earning such high scores feels excellent, but it is also one indicator that your student may have already mastered the curriculum for their grade and needs more challenging material. Just how much more challenging? Above-level testing can help you figure it out.

About the Program

Every child deserves to learn something new every day, including the ones that ace every test. It's often the case that bright students are ready to learn things beyond the level of the grade they are in -- but how can you tell what level would be more appropriate for a particular student? Talent Search uses above-level testing to uncover information about a student's academic abilities and learning needs, helping parents and teachers discover what that student is ready to learn. Students anywhere in the United States are welcome to test.

"Above-level testing" is exactly what it sounds like: Give a younger student a test that was developed for older students.

Academically talented students tend to perform extremely well on tests developed for their own age group. They do so well that they get everything (or almost everything) right, and we don’t really know what the extent of their talents might be. Psychologists call this "hitting the ceiling" of the test. An above-level test, one that is developed for older students, raises the ceiling for that talented student and allows them to show the full extent of what they know - and what they don't yet know. In other words, above-level testing reveals what the student is ready to start learning.

Knowing how students performed on an above-level test helps us give students, their families, and their educators better advice about the kinds of educational options the students might need. For example, does this student need educational enrichment? Would that student benefit from moving up a grade level or two in math? Would another student benefit from grade-skipping? The Belin-Blank Center has developed reports to help educators and parents understand the student’s above-level test scores and relate them to appropriately challenging educational options. In just one or two hours of testing, we are able to get important information about the student’s academic abilities, which allows us to make good recommendations about the types of educational challenges the student needs.

Above-level testing has other benefits, as well! The results can help parents and teachers advocate for the student, develop a course plan, or differentiate the curriculum in the classroom. As an added bonus, those who score highly on an above-level test through our program may receive an invitation to be honored at the Belin-Blank Center's annual Recognition Ceremony!

Above-level testing is available to students in grades 4-9 who have scored at the 90th percentile or higher in at least one subject of their grade-level standardized tests, such as Iowa Assessments. Occasionally, third graders meeting the criteria may also test. For questions about eligibility, contact assessment@belinblank.org.

4th - 6th Grade

Eligible 4th-6th-grade students can take I-Excel, an online test designed for 8th graders. Teachers can arrange to test a group of four or more students at once in their own school. Alternatively, parents can arrange to test their child individually at a location of their choosing.

After the test, we provide an extensive interpretation of scores allowing teachers and parents to make data-driven decisions and differentiate for their students through curricular intervention and enrichment. Iowa students who score highly on I-Excel may be eligible to take courses online through the Iowa Online AP Academy (IOAPA), which provides above-level coursework online without a course fee.

Teacher-Arranged Testing

Teachers can arrange to test a group of four or more students at once from the convenience of their own school. Here are the major logistics you'll need to know! If you have additional questions, please contact us at assessment@belinblank.org.

Location

Teachers schedule a group testing session at their own school, during a time that is convenient for them and their students.

Dates

Testing dates are arranged with the Belin-Blank Center. A few blackout dates apply. We recommend planning five to six weeks or more before you'd like to test.

Cost

The fee for in-school testing is $49 each ($22 for students who qualify for Free/Reduced-Cost Lunch). For the 2024-25 academic year, testing will be free for Iowa students while funds last. Some sites may also have their own specialized pricing in cooperation with the Belin-Blank Center. Fees are payable to the Belin-Blank Center and can be made by the parent or school via individual checks, individual credit cards, or a check or PO from the school.

Time Commitment

Testing takes approximately 2.5 hours but may be split over two days, shortening the amount of uninterrupted time needed.

Parent-Arranged Testing

Parents can arrange to test children individually, at a time and place of their choosing. Here are the major logistics you'll need to know! If you have additional questions, please contact us at assessment@belinblank.org.

Location

Parents schedule an individual testing session at a location of their choosing, often at a school or testing center.

Test Proctors

When arranging for testing, parents are responsible for finding a licensed educator who is willing to proctor the test. Acceptable proctors include full-time teachers, tutors, and college professors. The proctor must be a college graduate and cannot be a relative. To initiate these arrangements, parents must submit a request form to their designated proctor.

Dates

Testing dates are arranged with the Belin-Blank Center, and a few blackout dates apply. We recommend planning three weeks or more before you'd like to test.

Cost

The fee for individual testing is $90 per student ($45 for students who qualify for Free/Reduced-Cost Lunch). If the reduced fee for qualifying students is still too great a financial burden, the Belin-Blank Center will work with the family to make a financial arrangement that allows the student to participate. Fees are payable to the Belin-Blank Center and can be paid via credit card. For the 2024-25 academic year, testing will be free for Iowa students while funds last.

Time Commitment

Testing takes approximately 2.5 hours but may be split over two days, shortening the amount of uninterrupted time needed.

How to Register

  1. Be sure to read through all testing policies.
  2. Set up your test date and submit payment:
    • If you're a teacher setting up a test date, email assessment@belinblank.org.
    • If you’re a parent who would like to arrange testing, submit a request form to your designated proctor. If the proctor agrees, the proctor will set up the test date. Belin-Blank Center staff members will provide the proctor with instructions for the testing.
    • If your child's teacher set up a test date, they will send you a registration link.
  3. Keep an eye on your inbox for emails from us with all the logistical details you'll need. Be sure to check your spam folder if you're not seeing any communication from us.

7th - 9th Grade

Eligible 7th-9th-grade students can take the ACT, a test designed for college-bound high school students. Students sign up and pay for the test and talent search registration through our form, then use the resulting voucher code to register for the ACT test date of their choice. Registration will reopen in late fall (likely October or later due to regulatory delays). To be notified when registration opens, please email assessment@belinblank.org.

Why Sign Up Through the Belin-Blank Center

We know this process can be complex, so we help you navigate the logistics and make the most of your child's results. Registering your child for the ACT through the Belin-Blank Center offers several benefits, including:

  • We send you access to a free IDEAL Solutions for STEM Acceleration report, which provides an extensive interpretation of your child's scores to help you figure out how to move forward with your child's educational needs. 
  • Iowa students who score highly may be eligible to take courses online through the Iowa Online AP Academy (IOAPA), which provides above-level coursework online without a course fee.

Locations

The ACT is a secure test and only available through national testing dates established by ACT. Locations are available across the United States. To find a location convenient for you, use ACT's Test Center Locator.

Cost

The fee for ACT testing is $90 ($45 for students who qualify for Free/Reduced-Cost Lunch) and includes both a voucher for the testing fee (ACT) and the talent search fee (Belin-Blank). If the reduced fee for qualifying students is still too great a financial burden, the Belin-Blank Center will work with the family to make a financial arrangement that allows the student to participate. Fees are payable to the Belin-Blank Center and can be paid via credit card.  Please note that vouchers do not cover late fees or add-on services.

Time Commitment

Testing takes approximately three hours to complete. Special accommodations are available for eligible students.

How to Register

Teachers are welcome to download this sample letter to notify parents about the registration process.

  1. Be sure to read through all testing policies, ACT policies, and agree to ACT's Terms and Conditions.
  2. Using our registration system, enter basic demographic information and complete payment. Registration will reopen in late fall.
  3. With the resulting voucher code, sign up for the ACT test date of your choice at act.org.
  4. Keep an eye on your inbox for emails from us and ACT with all the logistical details you'll need. Be sure to check your spam folder if you're not seeing any communication from us.

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assessment@belinblank.org
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