• Parents' Guide to MAP Testing: What You Need to Know

    Welcome to our Parents' Guide to MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) testing! As a parent, understanding this important assessment can help you support your child’s learning journey. Here’s what you need to know about MAP testing at Toomer and how it benefits your child.

    What Is MAP Testing?

    MAP Growth is a computer-based assessment that measures skills your child currently has and what they’re ready to learn next. Unlike traditional tests, MAP is adaptive, meaning the questions adjust in difficulty based on your child’s responses. This personalized approach helps provide a clear picture of their academic strengths and areas for growth. MAP testing is a very very common assessment in the U.S. and is used in all 50 states (and even internationally!).

    Why Is MAP Testing Important?

    1. Tailored Learning: MAP results help teachers customize instruction to meet each student’s needs.

    2. Tracking Growth: The test measures academic growth over time, not just achievement at a single point. This helps monitor your child’s progress throughout the school year.

    3. Setting Goals: MAP data helps teachers and parents set realistic and achievable learning goals.

    How Does MAP Testing Work?

    • Subjects Covered: Your child will be tested in reading and math.

    • Frequency: MAP Growth tests are usually given three times a year (fall, winter, and spring).

    • Time Commitment: Each test typically takes about 45-60 minutes, though MAP is untimed to ensure every child can work at their own pace.

    What Do MAP Scores Mean?

    MAP testing provides a score called a RIT (Rasch Unit) score, which shows your child’s academic level in a specific subject. These scores help:

    • Identify strengths and areas for improvement.

    • Compare your child’s performance to grade-level norms.

    • Track growth year over year.

    Your child’s teacher will use these scores to tailor their learning experience and may share them with you during parent-teacher conferences.

    As a quick note, while the growth score is important because it can show progress, for students who initially score high, their room for growth may be less and they may show low growth (or no growth. That’s ok! This means that they are progressing on grade-level at near the same pace as they have previously,

    How Can I Support My Child?

    1. Before the Test:

      • Reassure and Encourage: Let your child know MAP testing is just one way to understand their learning and that it’s okay if some questions feel hard.

      • Ensure Rest and Nutrition: A good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast can make a big difference in focus and energy.

    2. During the Test:

      • Minimize Stress: Remind your child to try their best but not to worry about getting every question right. The test is designed to find their current level of knowledge.

    3. After the Test:

      • Celebrate Effort: Focus on your child’s hard work rather than the score.

      • Review Results: Discuss the results with your child’s teacher to understand what they mean and how you can support learning at home. Results will be sent home and Toomer teachers will review these results with parents during family engagement nights or parent-teacher conferences. 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: Is MAP testing a high-stakes test?
    A: No, MAP Growth is not high-stakes. The results are used to guide instruction, not determine grades or promotions. 

    Q: What if my child scores below grade level?
    A: That’s okay! MAP testing helps identify where your child needs extra support, and teachers will use this information to adjust their instruction.

    Q: How is MAP different from state standardized tests like GMAS?
    A: Unlike GMAS, MAP is adaptive and given multiple times a year, focusing on growth rather than just meeting grade-level benchmarks.It’s also untimed and students can take as much time as they need vs milestones testing, which is always timed.

    Q: What if my child misses a MAP testing day?

    A: If a student misses a MAP testing day, they will get pulled out of class on a different day to complete it. There is a district wide testing window schools have to test all kids within (typically over a week) so schools have plenty of time to make sure all kids take the test.

     

    By understanding MAP testing and partnering with your child’s teacher, you can play an active role in supporting their academic growth. Thank you for being part of your child’s learning journey! If you have any additional questions about MAP testing, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or Principal Brown.