Nov 08, 2017
An overview of the AABL and the details to know about the test.
Student testing opportunities are seemingly everywhere and, in recent years, these opportunities are opening up to children in even the earliest years of their schooling. The AABL is one of these tests, specifically geared toward the youngest children in the school system. This assessment seeks to identify early academic markers and project likely student performance years in advance. If your child has been exhibiting behavior that may be indicative of future academic excellence, you may want to consider registering for this exam. Read on for a look at what the AABL is and the details you should know about the test.
AABL stands for Admission Assessment for Beginning Learners. Provided by the ERB, this test is administered to young children between ages 4 and 6 and intends to assess early development in a student’s learning abilities against their peers. It measures math, literacy, and reasoning in both quantitative and verbal terms and provides insight into a child’s strengths and weaknesses in these areas. Experts have been developing this test since 2011 and, through extensive research on indicators of future academic achievement, have developed targeted questions that specifically seek to identify markers of specific skills later in life. The AABL is considered to be cutting-edge in the sense that the creation of the test itself uses such up-to-date research. It’s also administered on an iPad, leading to deeper engagement with the material and a more interactive testing environment.
Fees. The registration fee is $65 per child. If you must cancel or reschedule, you will be subject to a $25 fee. Some schools may require that children take the test to attend, in which case fees will be waived.
Restrictions. Your child must be at least 4 years old to take the test, and they are only permitted to take the test one time during a 6 month period. If your child does take the test more than once within that time frame, the second score will not be released and you will not be eligible for a refund.
Scoring. Scores are based on partially on personal performance and partially on the scores of other children who took the exam. AABL results are given in terms of raw score, percentile rank, and a standard nine score. You will also be able to view the number of questions your child answered correctly, skipped, and answered incorrectly. Results are released two days after your child takes the test.
Accommodations. If your child has a additional needs and you have accompanying documentation, testing accommodations may be available. You can find more information along with necessary forms here.
Test Day. Upon arrival at the AABL location you registered with, a proctor will give your child instructions for the test itself and provide an overview of how to use the iPad and headphones. Testing takes approximately 30-50 minutes, including a short break, and children may take the test alone or in a small group. The administrator will be present in the room for the entirety of the exam. Children should listen carefully to instructions and try their hardest, but they are not required to answer every question.
Registration. To register your child, visit the ERB’s website. When you register, you will be asked to provide details for the schools you’d like your child’s results to be sent to.
If you've identified signs that your young child may excel in a rigorous academic program, the AABL may be the ideal test to sign up for. Testing your child early can help you ensure that they are enrolled in the right school for their needs, which can make a significant difference in their academic outcome down the line. Using advanced technology and contemporary research, the AABL can provide helpful information about your child's current strengths and weaknesses and can help you map the best course for your child as they progress through the education system.
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