What is BESTS?
The Belin-Blank Center at the University of Iowa conducts an academic talent search each year using an above-level assessment for eligible students in grades 4-9. An academic talent search identifies high achieving students (those who have scored at or above the 95th percentile on a standardized test) and provides an above-level assessment to better determine students' specific academic strengths. Above-level testing is an educational procedure in which a test developed for older students is administered to younger students. Students in grades 4-6 are invited to take the 8th grade level EXPLORE Assessment, and students in grades 7-9 are invited to take the 12th grade level ACT or SAT 1.  Students register in the fall to take the test the following January, February, or April.

What are the benefits of above-level testing?
Compared to grade-level tests, which tell us what students already know, above-level testing tells us not only what students know beyond their grade level, but what students are ready to learn.  This is critical information for classroom teachers and parents.  Curriculum should be presented to match the readiness level of each student.  With high achieving students, it is often difficult to assess their level of readiness.  Above-level testing can provide valuable insight in this regard. Also, students benefit from the test-taking experience in confidence building. Achieving success on an above-level test makes regular tests less intimidating. And, last but not least, these students are eligible for increased scholarship opportunities.

What is the availability of BESTS in Florida?
Currently there are 12 school districts participating with Stetson University in the Belin-Blank Exceptional Student Talent Search (BESTS). They are: Brevard, Flagler, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Polk, Putnam, Seminole, and Volusia Counties.
  
If you would like to join us in offering BESTS in your district, please contact the program director, Dr. Cindy Oliver, at coliver@stetson.edu or 386.822.7091. Even if there is not a test center in your district, eligible students may participate in testing at any of the Florida test centers, and we will be happy to work with you to establish test sites in your school district.