Parent Information - MAP Assessments
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
What is MAP testing?
A form of computerized testing, MAP is being introduced to students during the 2011-2012 school year. MAP, or the Measure of Academic Progress, is an adaptive test which helps teachers, parents, and administrators improve learning for all students and make informed decisions to promote a child’s academic growth.
For more, download the NWEA Parent Toolkit >>
Who will be tested?
Students in grades four through nine will be tested using the new MAP assessment.
When will my student be tested and how often?
Three times a year - in the fall, winter and spring - students will participate in MAP testing sessions to assess Reading, Language Usage and Mathematics. When taking the MAP test, the difficulty of each question is based on how well a student answers all the previous questions. As the student answers correctly, questions become more difficult. If the student answers incorrectly, the questions become easier. Although the tests are not timed, it usually takes students about one hour to complete each test. Students will repeat the tests again twice to continually assess student progress and adapt learning as needed.
Do all students in the same grade take the same test?
No. This assessment is designed to target a student’s academic performance. These tests are tailored to an individual’s current achievement level. This gives each student a fair opportunity to show what he or she knows and can do. Because the computer adjusts the difficulty of the questions as the test progresses, each student takes a unique test.
What is the MAP test results used for?
MAP is used to measure a student’s progress or growth in school.
They are important to teachers because they let teachers know where
a student’s strengths are and if help is needed in any specific
areas. Teachers use this information to help them guide instruction
in the classroom.
Do these tests replace annual state testing?
No. These assessments will complement state tests routinely administered in the spring to students in grades 3-8. The MAP tests are to be used as a guide for more tailored instruction. They are also aligned with the Common Core standards, the uniform curriculum standards all schools in New York state will be required to implement. Teachers in Cohoes are working hard to provide a smooth transition to the Common Core. The MAP testing is intended to help in this transition.
How can I help my child prepare for MAP testing?
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Provide a comfortable, quiet place for studying at home.
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Make sure that your child is well-rested on school days, especially
the day of the test. Children who are tired are less able to pay
attention in class or to handle the demands of a test.
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Give your child a well-rounded diet. A healthy body leads to a
healthy, active mind.
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Provide books and magazines for your child to read at home. By
reading new material, a child learns a new words that might appear
on a test.
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Meet with your child’s teacher as often as needed to discuss his or
her progress. Parents and teachers working together benefits your
child.
Where can I go for more information about MAP testing?
You can talk with your child’s teacher, contact Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services, Peggy O'Shea, or go directly to the NWEA website at http://www.nwea.org.
