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The Talent Identification Program of Kentucky

TIP-KY

The Talent Identification Program of Kentucky (TIP-KY) offers above-level testing to assess where students are academically so educators and families can help guide students to relevant resources, appropriate enrichment programming, and other services that will challenge and encourage growth.

What is Above-Level Testing?

TIP-KYAbove-level testing is giving a younger student a test that was developed for older students. Through TIP-KY, eligible students in grades 4 - 6 can take I-Excel, a test designed for 8th graders. Teachers can arrange to test a group of students at their own school by registering for testing. Eligible students in grades 7 - 8 can take the ACT, a test designed for college-bound high school students.

Above Level Testing Video Preview

The Registration Process

Educators Registering Students in Grades 4 - 6

Register for Testing

  1. Educators register eligible students with the TIP-KY Registration Page.
  2. First register with TIP-KY, then you will receive a link to request a testing date in your school and provide additional information. You will need to name a proctor who will be administering the test at your school.
  3. The link will walk you through the payment process which can be set up through the school or students’ families. You can also choose to send a link to families to register their child or the school can enter all the students.

Parents Registering Students in Grades 4 - 6

Register for Saturday, May 21

Register for Saturday, June 4

Parents can register their students for the I-Excel test to be held at Western Kentucky University on one of two dates: Saturday, May 21, or Saturday, June 4. This test is intended for high-ability students who have scored in the 90th percentile on a standardized grade-level assessment in at least one subject area. To register your student, click on the date you prefer to be tested.

Students in grades 4 - 6 can take the I-Excel test. These students are scoring high on grade-level standardized tests (top 5-10% of age group) on at least one subject. There are exceptions to any rule, so teachers or parents may recommend high-potential students who do not meet these general guidelines.

Cost is $45 per student or $22 for students who qualify for free/reduced lunch.
Testing takes approximately two and a half hours and may be split over two days, if needed; however, we recommend allowing for three hours for total testing time.

Both educators and the families will receive an extensive report explaining the student scores and comparing them to 8th graders and to bright students in their same grade. In addition to scores, the report will provide useful information for both the educators and families regarding enrichment and possible acceleration options that are appropriate, depending on the results for each subject area.

 
Grades 7 - 8
With the closure of Duke TIP,  The Center for Gifted Studies immediately began collaborating with several universities and centers across the United States to continue offering necessary above-level testing and programming. Students in grades 7-8 can take the ACT, a test designed for college-bound high school students. Currently, ACT is only registering students who are 13 years or older directly through their website act.org. We are working in conjunction with several universities and ACT to have students in grades 7 – 8 included in TIP-KY. Please continue to check our website for future developments.

Questions?

Contact Jennifer Wilson, Program Coordinator for TIP-KY, at jennifer.wilson@wku.edu or 270-745-2742.

View from the Hill - The Center for Gifted Studies launches TIP-KY after the closing of Duke TIP Video Preview

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 Last Modified 5/10/22