Starting the week of September 15, 2014, some classes will begin Fall MAP Testing. NWEA's MAP testing is an online, no-risk program that we are using to provide information on our students' strengths and weaknesses. The test takes about 45 minutes to complete. The power of MAPS testing is that the students receive questions based upon how they answer the previous questions. For example, if a student gets the answer correct, then the next question is slightly harder. This continues until the student is given questions above their current ability level. If a student struggles, then they are given questions of lower difficulty. This process continues until we receive a RIT score. This score is a comparison of where they fall upon the national K-12 grade curriculum continuum.

Important things to know about MAPs
1) All students are supposed to struggle at some point. This is not a test of proficiency or grade level mastery. Some students will be given questions at a high school level to see how far they can go. They are not expected to answer them correctly.
2) This score does not affect their grade. We use it to plan interventions and enrichment.
3) We do NOT want this to become a competition. This is for diagnostic purposes and we do not want the students to feel they need to reach a certain score.
4) We DO want the students to take it seriously since we want to find out where they truly fall, but not at the expense of unneeded stress. Quality data and a true effort will help the teachers tailor instruction for all his/her students. Half-hearted effort may give a false indication of their true needs.

The program provides data that is sound, nationally normed comparisons, great exposure to online tests (which they will see everywhere from driving exams, certification programs and college) and a wealth of information that helps us help your child.