GATE :: Raven Progressive Matrices :: San Diego City Schools

Files designated with

open with the free Acrobat® Reader®:

Email questions and comments regarding the content and function of this website to webmaster@sandi.net.

Email general district inquiries to communications@sandi.net.

Email employment inquiries to jobs@sandi.net.

Submit staff questions about email or computer issues to the IT helpdesk.

Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)
Raven Progressive Matrices

The Raven Progressive Matrices is a non-reading test of cognitive processing skills. As with all standardized intelligence tests, it tests general mental ability which is primarily correlated with success in school. It is a group test that consists of 60 tasks with multiple choice answers. The tasks become progressively more difficult as the test proceeds but build upon one another so that patterns of reasoning may be established for clues to responses.

The Raven tests ability in a variety of areas of the eductive portion of intelligence - taking varied parts and producing one whole idea. Some of these include alertness to visual detail, categorical thinking, conceptual reasoning, decoding, problem-solving skills, concentration, persistence, sequencing, nonverbal concept formation, synthesis and analysis, spatial perception, and information-processing skill. The Raven assesses fluid intelligence and cognitive processing, rather than a student's achievement levels, ability to memorize facts, or possession of a broad vocabulary. Both sides of the brain are utilized in the resolution of responses. Also, the individual determines the correct answer choice by applying his/her area of strength, be it in the formation of verbal or visual clues.

Fluent Readers
Fluent readers can be described as students who decode rapidly with few errors and who comprehend across the genres of publications. Fluent readers have developed self-extracting systems, allowing them to transfer reading skills and strategies to new texts appropriately. The term "Fourth Quartile" was used in the past few years by San Diego City Schools as a ranking system to show where these fluent readers were in the scale of abilities. This year, due to better understanding of diverse abilities, the "Fourth Quartile" became the "Fifth Quintile," further refining the scale of evaluation of ability.

For further information, please contact the Literacy Specialist at your student's school site.

>> Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)