Naglieri Non-Verbal Ability Test

The Naglieri Non-Verbal Ability Test is a screening test to determine if a child is gifted. Once a child passes the exam, the child can be placed in the appropriate academic program for advanced learning or classes for gifted children. The test is a matrix-reasoning type of test, which is comprised of diagrams and shapes that form patterns. This test is as it states a "Non Verbal Test." Non Verbal Tests are considered culture fair tests or "cultural-fair" and unbiased and can be taken by students who's primary language is not English nor whose ethnic or social background would hinder test results.

The NNAT uses progressive matrices, which are fair for all examinee including minorities, those with hearing impairments, and those with impaired color vision. In addition, it is ideal for children who do not speak English as their first language and requires no reading, writing, or speaking (the child taking the test just point to the answer they believe is correct). The NNAT requires child to rely on reasoning and problem-solving skills, not verbal skills.

Gifted IQ Test

To quote David Wechsler, who developed the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), defined general ability as "the aggregate or global capacity of the individual to act purposefully, to think rationally, and to deal effectively with his environment." In a sense the NNAT could also be called a gifted IQ test for one of the aims of the test is to screen for a gifted child.

Although nonverbal tests are especially useful for children with limited English-language skills, their value is not limited to that group. For example, children whose economic or social circumstances have limited their acquisition of knowledge and verbal skills may best be able to display their knowledge through such a test. They should and will earn good scores on tests of general ability. Taking nonverbal tests of ability will afford them the same opportunity to succeed as other children. Nonverbal tests are also useful for evaluating those with impaired hearing.

In summary, nonverbal tests provide a valid way to measure general ability for all children. Researchers have found that they identify similar proportions of black, white, and Hispanic children as gifted. This suggests that the problem of under representation of minority children in classes for the gifted may be addressed by using such tests. Using nonverbal tests of general ability gives all children an equal opportunity to succeed.
-Jack A. Naglieri, PhD