Differential Ability Scales

The DAS-II consists of 20 cognitive subtests which include 17 subtests from the original DAS. The subtests are grouped into the Early Years and School-Age cognitive batteries with subtests that are common to both batteries and those that are unique to each battery. These batteries provide the General Conceptual Ability score (GCA), which is a composite score focusing on reasoning and conceptual abilities. Ages 6-17 only Early Years Cognitive Battery The Early Years core battery includes verbal, nonverbal, and spatial reasoning subtests appropriate for ages 2 years 6 months to 8 years 11 months. There are three optional diagnostic subtests — Recall of Objects Immediate and Delayed, Recall of Digits Forward, and Recognition of Pictures. There are also two optional diagnostic clusters — working memory and processing speed. School-Age Cognitive Battery The School-Age core battery contains subtests that can be used to assess children ages 7 years to 17 years 11 months. These subtests measure verbal, nonverbal reasoning, and spatial reasoning abilities. The subtests can also be used to assess children ages 5 years to 6 years 11 months who may be cognitively gifted. In addition there are up to nine diagnostic subtests for this age group that feed into three possible diagnostic cluster scores — working memory, processing speed and, for the youngest ages, school readiness. ==Uses for assessing giftedness==