MAP Testing

MAP, Measures of Academic Progress, is a computer adaptive test that helps teachers, students, and parents make more informed decisions about a student's academic growth.

When will my student be tested and how often?
MAP Testing is administered three times a year- the start of the school year, mid-semester, and the end of the school year.  The tests are not timed, but it typically takes about 1-2 hours to complete each test.  

Do all students in the same grade take the same test?
No.  This assessment is designed to target a student's academic performance in math and reading.  When taking the MAP test, the difficulty of each question is based on how well a student answers all the previous questions.  As the student answer correctly, questions become more difficult.  If the student answers incorrectly, the questions become easier.  This gives each student a fair opportunity to show what he or she knows and can do.

What are the MAP test results used for?
MAP is used to measure a student's progress or growth in school.  The testing results provide teachers with a student's strengths or areas of need.  This information can be used to help guide instruction.

If you have ever used a growth chart in your home to show how much your child has grown from one year to the next, it will help you to understand the scale MAP uses to measure your child's academic progress.  The measurement system is called the RIT scale (Rasch unIT), and is an equal-interval scale much like feet and inches on a yardstick.  The scale is used to chart your child's academic growth from year to year.

How can I help my child prepare for MAP testing?
  • Make sure that your child is well-rested on school days, especially the day of the test.
  • Provide a well-rounded diet for your child.  A healthy body leads to a healthy mind.
  • Encourage your child to read books and magazines at home.  By reading new material, a child learns new words that might appear on a test.
  • Talk with your child's teacher as often as needed to discuss his or her progress.  Working as a team benefits your child.

Where can I learn more about the MAP test?

NWEA website
Parent's Guide to MAP
College Explorer Tool