Growing our Students
by Education Blog
Posted on August 27, 2017
Over the past week, students in kindergarten through eighth grade have been assessed using the Measures of Academic Progress Test or MAP Test. The MAP test will be given in the Fall, Winter, and Spring, but the test differs in a couple of areas from previous assessments that we have given to students. The MAP Test differs because it is web based, computer adaptive, and most importantly focuses on growth.
The MAP test is taken on the computer by students, which allows for immediate results for the teacher and student. This allows for the teachers and principals to understand the skills a student is ready to learn or has already learned in real time. It also prepares our students with the computer skills necessary as they advance through the educational process.
A computer adaptive test means that each student’s skills are measured on an individual basis. If a student answers questions correctly, the next question they answer will be more difficult, or if answered incorrectly, the next question will be easier. There are benchmark scores for each grade level a particular student should be performing at each year, but the focus for our teachers and students is individual growth. This is a new concept for many of our students and staff, but one the pubic will hear more as a part of our new state accountability method for schools has changed with more focus on student growth not performance levels. (more on this in the coming months)
The ultimate goal for all of our students is to be prepared to move on to the next grade level with the appropriate skills. However, a multitude of factors may hinder a students performance on a particular assessment, such as fatigue, excessive absences, or maturity. By focusing on growth and not performance levels the hope is that our students will understand that growth is always possible.
If you notice in the example report to the left, we will be able to track the growth of our students, and as a district determine areas in our curriculum where improvement is needed. These assessments will be shared with parents during parent teacher conferences this fall and spring. For more information please click the link below:
Parent Guide to MAP Testing
Sincerely,
Tim Argo
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