MAP® (Measures of Academic Progress®)
What are the MAP® assessments?
The Measures of Academic Progress® (MAP®) assessments are tests that estimate a student’s current instructional level and measure academic growth throughout the school year, and from year to year.
MAP tests are unique in that they are adaptive tests that students take on a computer. This means that the difficulty of each question is based on how the student did on the previous question. If a student answers correctly, the questions become more difficult. If a student answers incorrectly, the questions become easier. Therefore, each student takes a test specifically created for his or her learning level.
Why is the DeKalb School District using MAP®?
The information from these tests will be used to help teachers determine what students already know and what they are ready to learn next so that classroom instruction can be targeted to students’ needs. The MAP® tests also help teachers keep track of progress and growth in basic skills and identify areas of strength and areas where students may need additional instruction.
Which MAP® assessments does the DeKalb School District use?
Currently, we give the Reading and Math MAP® assessments.
Who takes the MAP® assessments? When are they given?
Beginning in the 2015-2016 school year, students in grades 2-8 will take reading and math MAP® tests three times each year, once in the fall (September), once in the winter (December), and once in the Spring (April/May). High school students who are taking specific classes (primarily Humanities I and Algebra) will also take the MAP® tests.
How long does it take to complete a MAP® test?
It usually takes students between 40-60 minutes to complete each MAP® test. However, the MAP® tests are not timed, so students are given whatever time they need to finish each test.
What do my child’s scores mean?
Your child receives a RIT score for each MAP® test that shows his or her current level of skills in reading or math (when tested in English). It also shows how much your child has grown in his or her skills since the last MAP® test.
Your child’s report also shows the average district RIT score for your child’s grade and the average national RIT score for your child’s grade. See the example report in the parent letter below for more information on how to interpret the report. More information can also be found in A Parent’s Guide to MAP® (click here, or see below).
What if I have concerns about my child’s scores?
You can talk to your child’s teacher if you have concerns about your child’s math or reading scores.
Where can I find more information?
1) A Parent’s Guide to MAP® is attached below. You can also access the guide at https://www.nwea.org/resources/a-parents-guide-to-map/.
2) More information about MAP® can be found at https://www.nwea.org/assessments/resources-for-parents/.
3) If you have questions, contact Dr. Amy Luckner at amy.luckner@d428.org or 815-754- 2953.