• Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)
     
    What is Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)?
    MAP is a state standard aligned adaptive, computerized diagnostic tool to measure a child's achievement levels in reading and math. The computer adjusts the complexity of the questions so that each student takes a unique test that measures his/her achievement level.
     
    The MAP assessment content is aligned to the PA Core State Standards.  Prior to the 2014-2015 school year, MAP assessment content was aligned to the legacy PA Standards.
     
     
    Why is the district using MAP?
    In 2007-2008, the district began reviewing all local diagnostic assessments as part of a review process that included a committee of teachers and administrators. After reviewing various assessment tools, MAP was selected because the tool helped identify students' achievement levels in math and reading, reduced amount of testing administration time, and adapted difficulty of questions for individual students. MAP will provide a consistent measure of growth from the time a student enters Great Valley until the student exits.
     
     
    Who is taking the MAP test?
    The following students will take the MAP test:
    • Students in grades 1-8
      • Grade 1 students will only take the math MAP test
    • Select students in grades 9-12
       

    Where do I find my child's scores?

    Your child's scores can be found on Skyward using Skyward Family Access.  The scores are located in the Test Scores section sorted by date.
     
    I have more than one child in the district, but not all of my kids have a MAP score. What might be the reason for that?

    Since the MAP assessment is given based on the list above, there is a possibility that one child took the MAP and another did not. If you believe your child took the MAP and a score is not visible, please contact your child’s teacher.

     
    How will MAP be used?
    MAP is one part of the assessment process within the district. Information from MAP student profiles is used to track progress of learning and to guide instruction for students in the classroom.

    It is also one component consideration for placement in some district programs. Multiple criteria are used for placement considerations in various programs. For example, MAP was a component of the elementary RTI and Academic Assistance program criteria. Additional uses include progress monitoring for students in direct instruction special education programs.

    The district continues to evaluate the use of MAP in decision making for other instructional programs.
     
     
    What does a RIT score mean?
    RIT scale measures student achievement and growth. It is an equal interval scale, like feet and inches, so scores can be compared. The scores make it possible to follow a student's educational growth from year to year.  Read more about the scores.
     
     
    What does a Lexile score mean?
    Lexile is a unit for measuring text difficulty that is linked to the RIT score allowing teachers to use the student's RIT score to find books, periodicals, and other reading material that will be appropriately challenging for each student. Read more about the scores.
     
     
    How does my kid compare to others in the class?
    The test was designed to evaluate an individual's growth and not as a class comparison. A child's first MAP score is a baseline. After taking MAP multiple times, we will be able to review a child's growth and comparisons will be made based on an individual's fall to spring and fall to fall scores.
     
     
    What do the questions look like?
    NWEA publishes question examples for math and reading based on RIT ranges. Below are charts for math and reading with examples of questions within particular RIT ranges.    
     
     
     
    Is there a connection between my child's MAP score and how he/she will perform on the PSSA?
    In February 2017, NWEA analyzed PSSA data and MAP data from a sampling of PA districts to create PSSA/MAP alignment study.  Great Valley did not participate in the alignment study.  According to NWEA, "Information from the PSSA assessments was used in a study to establish performance levels on the RIT scale that would indicate a good chance of success on these tests."  To read the study and the estimated proficiency levels by RIT, click the link below:
     
     
     
    Where can parents learn more about MAP and Lexile?
    You can visit http://www.nwea.org to learn about MAP and http://www.lexile.com to learn about Lexile ranges.