MAP
November 03, 2008
MAP Testing
What is MAP?
MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) is an assessment package created by the non-profit group Northwest Evaluation Association. MAP assessments are state-aligned computerized adaptive assessments that provide useful data and information about student achievement and growth. These test results can be used to:
*Identify the skills and concepts individual students have learned.
*Diagnose instructional needs.
*Monitor academic growth over time.
*Make data-driven decisions at the classroom, school, and district levels.
*Place new students into appropriate instructional programs.
MAP Frequently Asked Questions:
*How is USD #218 using MAP?
Elkhart School District has been continually seeking ways to improve the measurement of student progress throughout the year. USD #218 will use MAP assessments with buildings this year to monitor students progress over time and differentiate instruction for students.
* What subjects will be tested?
The Reading Test will test:
1. Word Recognition and Vocabulary
2. Reading Comprehension-Literal
3. Reading Comprehension- Inferential/Interpretive
4. Reading Comprehension- Evaluative
5. Literary Response and Analysis
The Language Usage Test will test:
1. Composing/Writing Process
2. Composition Structure
3. Basic Grammar and Usage
4. Punctuation
5. Capitalization
*What grade levels will be tested?
| Reading | Language Usage | |
| Fall | K-10th Graders Some 11th graders |
K-10th Graders Some 11th Graders |
| Winter | K-10th Graders Some 11th Graders |
K-10th Graders Some 11th Graders |
| Spring |
K through 2nd Graders |
K through 2nd Graders |
What is Des Cartes?
Des Cartes is a tool that provides the information educators need to meet the academic needs of each student. DesCartes provides instructional planning tools specific for reading and mathematics skills and concepts by achievement level aligned to the Kansas standards and gives meaning to test data. When used in combination with other NWEA resources, such as assessment scores, reports, and training, educators can use DesCartes to:
*Organize resources to meet the needs of individual students.
*Define flexible grouping for instruction.
*Identify the skills and concepts that provide the most appropriate academic challenge.
*Guide selection for materials that are appropriately challenging to ensure sustained academic
growth for all students.
*Engage students in setting their academic goals and tracking their progress.
*Monitor academic growth in relationship to content standards.
*Share academic needs with parents.
What are RIT scores?
RIT stands for Rasch Unit, which is a unit of measure that uses individual item difficulty values to estimate student achievement. RIT scores create an equal interval scale. Equal interval means that the difference between scores is the same regardless of whether a student is at the top, bottom or middle of the RIT scale, and it has the same meaning regardless of grade level.
Each students achievement is unique and no single test can yield a complete profile of a students overall achievement. RIT scores are very accurate estimates of where in the Learning Continuum they are at the time of testing. Students can correctly answer about 50%of the question in their RIT range. One RIT range lower, students can correctly answer about 80% of the questions. One RIT range higher they can answer about 20% of the questions correctly.
What are Lexile Scores?
You will also see a score called a Lexile score that will tell you some additional information about your student's reading. The Lexile score is a measure of a student's achievement in reading as it relates to the varying difficulty level of books. If a student has a Lexile score of 1000, for example, then the student should be able to read books that are at about the 1000 level with about 75% comprehension. Books that are more than 50 Lexile points above the student's Lexile score will be challenging for the student, while books more than 100 Lexile points below will be easier, independent material for the student. The Lexile Framework Website has more information about the Lexile score.
Who Can I Contact for More Information About MAPS?
Michelle Hanes
USD #218 Literacy Coach
