NWEA MAP TESTING
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Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) is an assessment in mathematics, reading, language usage, and science that is taken on the computer, with just one question at a time displayed. The test automatically adjusts in difficulty, according to student performance on each question answered. This way each test is individualized for each student. NSIS students from grades 3 – 12 participate in NWEA assessments two times a year: fall and spring. Students set goals for performance growth following each testing session. They can also compare their scores to those of thousands of other students in the world.
plan instruction
plan collaboration
set growth targets for students
monitor student progress
assess student strengths and weaknesses
customize “next steps”
We use a scale called the RIT scale to measure a student’s academic growth over time. Like units on a ruler, the scale is divided into equal intervals – called Rasch Units (RIT) – and is independent of grade level. Each subject-area has a unique alignment to the RIT scale; as a result, scores between subject-areas are not equivalent. Each subject-area is also divided into “strands,” which test specific areas of knowledge. Mathematics strands, for example, include real and imaginary numbers, algebra, geometry, and data and probability.
At NSIS, the scores from the NWEA have helped us to place each student in classes that solidifies his or her strengths and addresses weaknesses. NWEA testing challenges students and offers opportunities for continuous growth.
