Understanding NWEA
MAP Workshop for Parents
Plymouth Public Schools
February 10, 2014
Presenter: Jodiann Tenney, Ed.D, Director of
Curriculum and Instruction
What is MAP?
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MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) are
achievement tests delivered by computer to
students
Each test takes 35-60 minutes
In Mathematics, Reading, and Language Use
What is a computer adaptive test?
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The difficulty of the test adjusts to the students’
performance. As they answer correctly, the questions
become harder. As they answer incorrectly, the
questions become easier.
It will build a test unique to each student.
Why use MAP tests?
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To inform instruction and learning, inform
grouping and differentiated support
(learning ladders)
To measure progress over time, specifically
individual student growth (RIT score)
To help students set learning goals
To help parents understand children’s
learning needs
Key Principles of
Assessment
• Assessments should be designed primarily to enhance
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learning, not simply to get data for a report.
Assessments should measure growth in student learning
from one point in time to another as well as attainment
of standards.
One or two test results should never be the sole
indicators of student growth and achievement.
Test taking should not overwhelm a student’s classroom
experience, a teacher’s instruction, or a school system’s
resources.
Importance of Multiple Measures
When done properly, measuring student learning is an
essential tool in educating children. The use of multiple
and/or formative assessments provides appropriate
evidence of student learning to ensure accountability to
students and the district community. The data from
these assessments can be used to help modify
instructional practice to better meet students’ individual
learning needs.
-Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
Importance of Mindset
Fixed Mindset - Feedback viewed as
criticism
Growth Mindset - Openly embraces
feedback, encourages learning and
effort
More info at: http://alexvermeer.com/why-your-mindset-important/
How teachers will use MAP:
Curriculum Ladders
http://www.foridahoteachers.org/curriculum
_ladders.htm#.UvghC_ldVqW
Individual Student Reports
What is a Lexile score?
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A Lexile text measure is based on the semantic and syntactic elements of
a text.
The Lexile text measure is a good starting point in the book-selection
process, with these other factors then being considered.
For example, if a reader has a Lexile measure of 600L, the reader will be
forecasted to comprehend approximately 75% of a book with the same
Lexile measure (600L).
Many other factors affect the relationship between a reader and a book,
including its content, the age and interests of the reader, and the design of
the actual book.
Lexiles (cont.)
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When a Lexile text measure matches a Lexile reader measure, this is
called a "targeted" reading experience. The reader will likely encounter
some level of difficulty with the text, but not enough to get frustrated. This
is the best way to grow as a reader—with text that's not too hard but not
too easy.
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Use Lexile range on www.lexile.com Find a Book search. And don't be
afraid to look at books above and below someone's Lexile range. Just
know that a reader might find these books particularly challenging or
simple.
Sample Lexile Levels
The Firm — John Grisham 680
Jurassic Park — Michael Crichton 710
Harry Potter Series — J. K. Rowling 880
Interview with a Vampire — Anne Rice 970
Frankenstein — Mary Shelly 1170
USA Today 1200
A Brief History of Time — Stephen Hawking 1290
Wall Street Journal 1320
Lexile Levels and College Readiness
- Gary Williamson, Ph.D. 2004
Common Core Lexile Bands
What can a parent do?
1. Use results to encourage your child using a growth
mindset
Is your child strong in literature, but low in informational text?
You can help him or her find information text that would
interest him/her. You can read and discuss news articles
together on the weekends (see www.newsela.com). Is your
child strong in reading, but weaker in Math? You can guide
him or her to websites that offer extra Math practice or
encourage your child to be sure to ask questions in Math
class or ask teachers for extra help.
What can a parent do (cont.)?
2. Goal setting - Look at the student’s RIT projection.
What is it? What are some things your child can do to
try to reach his spring RIT score? Ask your child to talk
to his/her teacher to find 1 or 2 focus areas that he/she
can work on.
3. Encourage your child to read, read, and read.
Research shows the more you read, the better reader
you will become. Help your child find text that he or she
likes to promote a life-long love of reading.
What a parent can do: ELA
www.lexile.com
To find books by Lexile level
www.newsela.com
Website with various news
articles at different Lexile levels
www.vocabulary.com
A good site for vocabulary
development
http://depts.dyc.edu/learningcente For grammar explanations and
r/owl/index.htm
practice
What a parent can do: Math
www. khanacademy.org
An amazing free website
that offers online
assessments and lessons
www.ixl.com
Another great website with
practice problems for
students