The first weeks of school are filled with new classes, friends, supplies and knowledge. While the thought of having to take any kind of test seems daunting, Summit’s commitment to academic excellence has set a standard of utilizing NWEA’s MAP Growth testing for all our elementary students. These tests started the first full week of school, and will span approximately ten school days.
As Elementary Principal Lydia Varnier explains, “The testing helps us understand each student’s individual learning needs. The assessments are designed to measure growth in key areas of math and reading, providing valuable insights to their teachers about their academic progress. The math test focuses on essential skills like problem-solving, number sense, and algebraic thinking. The reading test assesses comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking. Our goal is to use the results as a tool in planning instruction and ensuring each student receives the support they need to succeed.”
The MAP Growth test adapts to each student’s level, ensuring a personalized assessment that reflects their abilities. MAP Growth tests are unique, adapting to each student’s responses in order to measure their specific skill level. If your student answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging; if they answer incorrectly, the next one is easier. These results will provide a more complete picture of what your student knows and is ready to learn—whether it is on, above, or below their grade level.
Since MAP Growth tests provide immediate and accurate information about each student’s learning, it’s easy for teachers to identify students with similar scores. Since these students are generally ready for instruction in similar skills and topics, teachers are able to plan instruction accordingly.
MAP Growth reports also provide typical growth data for students who are in the same grade, subject, and have the same starting performance level. Following each testing period, parents will receive a Family Report showing a summary of how their student is performing academically.
If you have any questions about MAP Growth testing, or how to read your Family Report, please reach out to your student’s teacher.