Thursday, May 23, 2013

Welcome to the MAP Testing Webpage
We hope the following list of frequently asked questions will help you learn more about our use of MAP tests.

Questions
1)  What are Measures of Academic Progress, or MAP tests?
2)  What are computerized adaptive tests?
3)  How often can a student be tested?
4)  Do all students in the same grade take the same test?
5)  What type of scores is reported on NWEA MAP assessments?
6)  What is the RIT scale?
7)  What grades are MAP tests applicable?
8)  How do MAP tests tie in with local curriculum?
9)  Can students with special needs take MAP tests?
10)  How can parents understand MAP results for students?
 
Answers
1)  Q What are Measures of Academic Progress, or MAP tests?
A
MAP assessments are adaptive achievement tests in Mathematics, Reading, and Language Usage that are taken on a computer.
2)  Q What are computerized adaptive tests?
A
Computerized adaptive tests are taken on a computer. The difficulty of a test is adjusted to the student's performance so each student sees different test questions. The difficulty of each question is based on how well the student has answered the questions up to that point. As the student answers correctly, the questions become more difficult. If the student answers incorrectly, the questions become easier.
3)  Q How often can a student be tested?
A
Districts have the option of testing their students up to four times a year. Students typically take tests at the beginning of the school year and at the end of the school year. Some districts may also choose to test students in winter and summer.
4)  Q Do all students in the same grade take the same test?
A
No. The computer adjusts the difficulty of the questions so that each student takes a unique test.
5)  Q What type of scores is reported on NWEA MAP assessments?
A
Percentile scores
Achievement scores
Growth scores
6)  Q What is the RIT scale?
A
The scale NWEA uses to measure a student's progress is called the RIT scale, short for Rasch Unit. The RIT scale is an equal-interval scale much like centimeters on a meterstick. It is used to chart a student's academic growth from year to year.
7)  Q What grades are MAP tests applicable?
A
In general, students in grades 3 through 10 take MAP tests because the tests are grade independent, they may be appropriate for students in lower or higher grades. NWEA is completing the development of tests for early primary grade students.
8)  Q How do MAP tests tie in with local curriculum?
A
MAP tests are aligned to the content and structure of state standards.
9)  Q Can students with special needs take MAP tests?
A
Because the tests are adaptive and un-timed, they often are appropriate for special needs students.
10)  Q How can parents understand MAP results for students?
A
Click on the attachment (PDF) to learn how to interpret MAP results for students.