As we continue to reflect on and refine our instruction, we also want to re-introduce our district assessment process to students. Research tells us that children's learning increases at a faster pace when teachers have a clear picture of what each student knows and is ready to learn next.
The MAP Growth assessment is our district’s avenue to determine where our students are academically and helps inform our instruction to move them forward and does not impact a student’s grade in class. The assessment is administered three times each year and is a computer-adaptive test. If your child answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging. If they answer incorrectly, the next one is easier. This type of assessment challenges students without overwhelming them.
Although our current schedule and mode of instruction may differ from a typical school year, we find it increasingly important to assess students’ current levels of performance and move their learning forward. The first portion of our student body will begin MAP testing on Thursday, September 10, with various testing schedules taking place over the following two weeks. Testing this Fall may take some additional days, as we have multiple settings for assessment as well as limited attendance on In-Person learning days. Students who attend In-Person will take their assessment in the school building. Students who are Fully Remote learning will take their assessment at home. There are additional notes for remote testing at the end of this message.
Your student can access a practice test at:
(Username: grow, Password: grow - the password is case sensitive)
Additional information for Fully Remote students and families
If your child will be taking their MAP test at home, here are some important reminders and instructions.
- Your teacher will inform you of your child’s MAP testing schedule. Check to see if your child has the NWEA application
on their District iPad. Open the application and ensure it takes you to the log-in screen.
- This assessment will help the district determine your child’s knowledge and how we can support their learning. As much as you want to help, we need the students to complete the test on their own. We ask that you act as a proctor would at school and monitor them completing the assessment.
- The Kindergarten and First Grade test has audio that will read to the students. Remind these young learners to click the speaker for each question.
- The classroom teacher will be available to help with any technical issues, however, the Zoom and NWEA MAP applications cannot be opened simultaneously on the student iPad. We suggest Zooming on an alternate device to get the teacher’s attention if support is needed. Otherwise, you can message through Google Classroom, Seesaw or Email.
As always, thank you for your partnership with District 142 in your child’s education. We appreciate everyone’s effort to make this year a success! If you need anything, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s school.