NWEA MAP Frequently Asked Questions
Plymouth Public Schools 2013-2014
“The Mission of the Plymouth Public Schools is to Challenge, Inspire, and Prepare
students for success in an ever-changing and complex world.”
What are Measures of Academic Progress, or MAP tests?
MAP assessments are adaptive achievement tests in Mathematics, Reading, Language
Usage, and Science that are taken on a computer. This year the Plymouth School is
administering Reading, Language Arts Usage, and Mathematics in grades 6-10.
What are computerized adaptive tests?
Computerized adaptive tests are taken on a computer. The difficulty of a test is adjusted
to the student's performance so each student sees different test questions. As the
student answers correctly, the questions become more difficult. If the student answers
incorrectly, the questions become easier. The computer adjusts the difficulty of the
questions so that each student takes a unique test.
How often will students be tested?
This year, Plymouth students took the assessment in the fall and will take it again in the
spring. Next year, they will take it in the fall, winter and spring.
Why are the Plymouth Schools using the MAP tests?
The MAP tests will be used by teachers to help determine students’ strengths and
weaknesses so that they can build upon students’ strengths and support them where
they need improvement. The teachers will use the results in conjunction with our
curriculum to make decisions about what skills need a greater emphasis and which
students need differentiated support. NWEA is one measure that will help teachers and
administrators make instructional decisions. NWEA results will always be used with
other measures for decision-making as it is our belief that we need to use multiple
measures of assessment for instructional decision-making.
What is the history of these assessments? How do we know they are valid and
reliable?
NWEA computed-adaptive tests were first created in 1985 and NWEA has a strong
history of refining assessments. Every year, they pilot new tests items across the
nation. The tests are normed nationally every year. NWEA is a non-profit organization
whose mission is centered on individualizing learning for students.
How does MAP testing affect the implementation of the Common Core State
Standards (CCSS)?
NWEA has been adapting their assessment to be aligned with the Common Core State
Standards (CCSS). They are now developing performance-tasks. Currently, NWEA
testing will help us better target students math and reading skills so that we can ensure
that our students have the foundation skills they will need to demonstrate mastery of the
CCSS. We are using the NWEA in conjunction with other internal performance
assessments to ensure that we are offering a well-rounded education.
I am afraid that my child is taking too many tests? Is this testing taking away
from instruction?
Our school district needs to constantly reflect on the value of the assessments we give.
As we implement NWEA, we are reflecting on the purpose of all of our assessments so
that we only use assessments that give us valuable information that can guide
instruction. One advantage of the NWEA is that since it is computer adaptive, it asks
questions at a student’s individual level, so that the information gained is more valuable.
This also means that the tests are shorter because students do not waste time
answering questions that are too easy or too hard. Teachers are looking at the MAP
test results in collaborative teams to determine how to best meet the needs of all
students.
What is a Lexile level?
A Lexile level is a level that helps you identify text at an appropriate level of difficulty.
Teachers will use the Lexile levels to help them find texts at an appropriate level for
students. Parents and students can use Lexiles when they look to select text. Lexiles
measure the complexity of sentence structure and vocabulary. It is just one indicator.
Lexiles should be used in conjunction with other measures – such as students’
background knowledge and interest. For example, a student, who has an interest in
cars and a strong background with mechanics, may be able to read a text about
mechanics at a higher Lexile. Also, Lexile levels do not look at appropriateness of text.
A book can be at a lower Lexile, but may contain content or themes that are more
mature. All of these factors should be considered when selecting text. (See the
enclosed sheets for more information about Lexile levels.)
What can I as a parent do with the MAP results?
First, the MAP results will give you an understanding of where you child is compared to
students nationally.
Second, They can also help you better understand where your child has strengths and
weaknesses. This can help guide discussion you have with your child. Is your child
strong in literature, but lower in informational text? You can help him or her find
information text that would interest him/her. Or you can read and discuss news articles
together on the weekends. (see the newsela resource below).
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.
Third, they can help guide goal-setting discussions you have with your child. Look at
the Students 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.
Fourth, 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 are some free websites I can use to help my middle or high school child?
For Reading/ELA
www.lexile.com
www.newsela.com
To find books by Lexile level
Website with various news articles at
different Lexile levels
www.vocabulary.com
A good site for vocabulary
development
http://depts.dyc.edu/learningcenter/owl/index.htm For grammar explanations and
practice
For Math
www. khanacademy.org
www.ixl.com
An amazing free website that offers
on-line assessments and lessons
Another great website with practice
problems for students