What is the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)?
Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Tests are computer adaptive tests in Reading and Mathematics. When taking a MAP test, the difficulty of each question is based on how well a student answers all the previous questions. As the student answers correctly, questions become more difficult. If the student answers incorrectly, the questions become easier. In an optimal test, a student answers approximately half the items correctly and half incorrectly. The final score is an estimate of the student's achievement level.
When will my student be tested and how often?
Districts have the option of testing their students up to four times a year. Districts typically test students at the beginning of the school year in fall and at the end of the school year in spring. At Trevor-Wilmot Consolidated schools, we test between the end of September and beginning of October. We will test again in May.
How long does it take to complete a test?
Although the tests are not timed, it usually takes students about one hour to complete each MAP test Reading and Mathematics.
Do all students in the same grade take the same test?
No. The MAP is designed to target a student's academic performance in mathematics and reading. These tests are tailored to an individual's current achievement level. This gives each student a fair opportunity to show what he or she knows and can do. The computer adjusts the difficulty of the questions so that each student takes a unique test.
What is the MAP assessment used for?
The MAP is used to measure your student's progress or growth in school. You may have a chart in your home on which you mark your child's height at certain times, such as on his or her birthday. This is a growth chart. It shows how much he or she has grown from one year to the next. MAP assessments are similar, except they measure your student's growth in mathematics and reading skills. The scale used to measure your child's progress is called the RIT scale (Rasch UnIT). The RIT scale is an equal-interval scale much like feet and inches on a yardstick. It is used to chart your child's academic growth from year to year.
How do teachers use the test scores?
MAP tests are important to teachers because they keep track of progress and growth in basic skills. They help teachers know where a student's strengths are and if help is needed in any specific areas. Teachers use this information to help them guide instruction in the classroom.
What subjects does MAP assess?
We are using the MAP tests in the area of mathematics, reading, language arts, and science.
What are some ways that I can help my child prepare for this test?
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Meet with your child's teacher as often as needed to discuss his or her progress.
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Ask the teacher to suggest activities for you and your child to do at home to help prepare for tests and improve your child's understanding of schoolwork. Parents and teachers working together benefits students.
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Provide a quiet, comfortable place for studying at home.
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Make sure that your child is well rested on school days and especially the day of a test. Children who are tired are less able to pay attention in class or to handle the demands of a test.
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Give your child a well-rounded diet. A healthy body leads to a healthy, active mind.
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Provide books and magazines for your child to read at home. By reading new materials, a child learns new words that might appear on a test. Ask your child's school about a suggested outside reading list or get suggestions from the public library.
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