Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)
What is MAP?
MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) are achievement tests in mathematics, reading, and language usage delivered by computer to students.
How does MAP work?
With MAP, the test questions are displayed on the computer screen and students will select an answer using the mouse or the keyboard.
The difficulty of the test will adjust to each student's performance. As they answer correctly, the questions will become harder. As they answer incorrectly, the questions will become easier. It will build a test specifically for each student.
Why are students taking MAP tests?
We want to find out exactly where each student is performing.
This will best help us know how to help students and what they should be working on to improve the most.
Taking the test:
Students in grades 2 - 7 will be tested twice each year - in the Fall and in the Spring.
Students in grade 1 will be tested in the Spring only.
Kindergarten students will not be tested.
Students are not expected to know the answer to every question; they should use their best test-taking strategies.
Students must answer every question - they cannot skip any.
Students cannot go back to a previous question.
How can test results be used...
NWEA MAP and ALT tests provide valuable information for improving student learning. Data can be used to analyze the effectiveness of curriculum, instructional programs and resources. Results can be used to focus instruction and identify flexible groupings of students.
The results for each student can be charted in much the same way a doctor charts a child's height and weight over the years. Results are reported on an achievement scale called a RIT scale. By monitoring a student's RIT scores from fall to spring and from year to year, we are able to measure a student's academic growth and progress.
The NWEA Learning Continuum is a tool that can be used as an instructional guide and is an important component of Climbing the Data Ladder. It becomes useful in flexible grouping of students by goal areas strengths and areas of concern. It helps to provide content in support of local curriculum and state standards.
For more information, visit the NWEA website at www.nwea.org.