Achievement Tests have been a part of schooling in America for years. We all can remember reading the questions and filling in the ovals with our number 2 pencil. But what role do they play? Why do students take tests like this and what does the school do with the data that is gathered? Continue reading to learn more about the what and the why of MAP Growth Assessments that Grace Christian School administers.
Q & A about MAP Growth Assessments at GCS
Q: Why?
A: The purpose of MAP Growth Assessments is to provide first through eighth-grade teachers with a clear picture of what each student knows and is ready to learn next. MAP Growth is an instructional tool and is not used for grade-level advancement or accountability purposes.
Q: When and How Long?
A: Fall, Winter, and Spring. 2-3 days each time lasting about 50 minutes per day.
Q: What is MAP Growth?
A: First let’s identify what it is not. It is not the typical standardized test that most of us grew up taking in school. Second, MAP Growth is a computer-adaptive assessment that adjusts to each student’s learning level, providing a unique set of questions based on their responses to previous questions. If a student gets a question wrong, the next question will be easier. If a student gets a question right, the next question will be harder. To pinpoint where students are in their learning, the goal is to answer 50 percent of the questions correctly.
Q: What does MAP Growth Measure?
A: MAP Growth measures what students know and what they don’t know, regardless of their grade level. This helps teachers adjust their instruction for each student. It also measures growth over time, allowing students and teachers to track their progress throughout the school year and across multiple years.
Q: What subjects does MAP Growth assess?
A: GCS uses MAP Growth reading, language usage, and math assessments.
Q: How does GCS use MAP Growth scores?
A: Teachers use scores to inform instruction, personalize learning, and monitor the growth of individual students. Principals use the scores to see the performance and progress of a grade level or even the school.
Q: May parents see their child’s data?
A: Please contact your child’s teacher for information regarding your child’s test data. They are your best resource to answer any questions you may have.