Online Short Spatial Ability Battery (OSSAB): Psychometric Norms for Older Students

The need for STEM specialists is growing in current technologically-oriented economy. This calls new approaches evaluation and development of relevant abilities skills. However, the educational systems might miss some students who have high potential this field or can develop such potential. For example, according to results one Russian study, gifted children may be missed by existing methods talent search, partially due lack standardised psychometric tests, especially beyond verbal numerical abilities. One important predictor STEM, often neglected education, spatial ability. Recently an online short ability battery (OSSAB) use adolescent popula-tions was developed. no published norms are available. aim study normalised thresholds testing using OSSAB with 13-17 year old schoolchildren. Schoolchildren from Sirius Educational Centre, demonstrating achievement 3 different areas: science (N = 640; 238 females), sports 436; 67 females) art 260; 204 schoolchildren 752; 350 general education schools Federation participated study. Age participants: (M 15.01; SD 1.18). identified 8 levels: Very low Extraordinary giftedness. These used teachers school psychologists determine level years age. Based on individual students’ levels ability, provide support recommendations. performance recommendations include additional clas-ses natural sciences, electronics, robotics, programming, physics chemistry. lower computer games containing components; sports; playing musical instruments; origami classes; studying Chinese language. More broadly, curricula subjects should more elements, as: inclusion stereometric tasks learning materials; pro-grams modelling teaching geometry other subjects; adding visualizations (graphs tables) when explaining material. Overall, suggest that a significant number very both mainstream centres high-preforming students. developed identification individualized all settings.