FAQs
What is MAP?
Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) is a state and nationally aligned program that provides CH-UH educators with the information that they need to improve teaching and learning and to make student-focused, data-driven decisions.
Students are tested three times per year (in September, January, and May) in various subjects. Educators use the growth and achievement data from MAP to develop targeted instructional strategies and to plan school improvement.
MAP is not an accountability test. It generates test questions based on a student’s responses and adjusts to a student’s skill level so that each student takes an individualized test.
Why do we use NWEA MAP in CH-UH?
We use the MAP test in our district because it is aligned to state and national standards & offers multiple benefits to students and teachers.
First, it’s untimed, so students can take their time understanding the problem and solving it without the added pressure of a time constraint.
Second, we test in the Fall, Winter & Spring to measure learning at regular intervals. For teachers, they get the results right away and can integrate needed supports immediately.
Third, it’s a nationally normed test that measures the current level of performance across the nation & each individual student’s growth over time.
The MAP tests also help screen for possible gifted identification and college readiness and serve as an alternative assessment for the Third Grade Reading Guarantee.
How are scores reported?
Student MAP testing results are reported in RIT scores (short for Rausch Unit). A RIT score is an estimation of a student’s instructional level and a measure of a student’s growth in school. You may have a chart in your home on which you mark your child’s height to show how much he or she has grown from one year to the next. MAP assessments are very similar, as they measure your student’s growth in various subject areas from year to year. This enables teachers to pinpoint what students have learned and what students are ready to learn.
What does the RIT score mean?
We expect RIT scores to increase over time. Students who test higher often show less growth. Sometimes RIT scores may decline from one test to the next. One low test score is not cause for immediate concern. Much like adults, students have good and bad days and their test results do not always indicate what they know. Students’ attitudes toward the test can also affect their score. Therefore, growth over time is a better measure of student learning than individual scores.
It is important to understand that the MAP is one test at one point in time. It does not measure intelligence or a student’s capacity for learning. When making important decisions about students, school staff will consider the MAP test results along with other data such as classroom performance, other test scores, and input from parents and teachers.
Parents and guardians should also understand that students will grow at different rates. Anticipated growth rates for each student are based on national norms and should be viewed as “typical” growth, as opposed to “expected” growth.
CH-UH staff have participated in training to learn what the MAP test results mean and how to best utilize these results. Our goal is for teachers to use the data to differentiate and adjust instruction so that all students grow at levels appropriate for each individual.
How will my child take the test?
Students take the test in their classroom using a Chromebook.
How can my child prepare for the test?According to the
NWEA assessments website, it’s important to provide emotional support and remind your child this is a special kind of test designed to figure out what they know and is not tied to their grades. As with any test, it’s important for your child to get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast beforehand.
If I have additional questions, who do I contact?Please reach out to any of your children’s teachers or building administrators.