Sealy Independent School District

Sealy ISD will administer the NWEA Measures of Academic Progress Growth, or MAP Growth, assessments as part of a comprehensive assessment system. NWEA MAP Growth is a nationally normed, standardized achievement test which measures what students know and informs what they're ready to learn next by using a computer adaptive test that adjusts to the ability and knowledge of the student. Your child's teacher will use the results of the NWEA MAP Growth assessments to better understand your child's individual needs and to help him/her progress in the assessed area. Because the assessment is a growth measure, it can track the growth of the student between testing events and over multiple years of testing.

All students in grades K-8 will be evaluated using NWEA MAP Growth assessments in math and grades 3-8 in reading. NWEA MAP science assessments are utilized in grades 5 and 8.

All assessments will be given at the beginning, middle, and end of the year.

For more information about NWEA and the MAP Growth assessments, you can visit the following websites:

● MAP Growth - https://www.nwea.org/map-growth/
● Parent Toolkit - https://www.nwea.org/parent-toolkit/
● Normative Data and RIT Scores- https://www.nwea.org/normative-data-rit-scores/

Parent’s Guide to MAP Growth
Children learn better—and faster—when teachers have a clear picture of what each student knows and is ready to learn next. That’s why a group of educators and researchers founded NWEA®, a not-for-profit organization that has created some of the most trusted and reliable assessment solutions available. More than 9 million students in the US and in 140 countries worldwide use MAP® Growth™.

How it Works
MAP Growth 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 top performers without overwhelming students whose skills are below grade level.

What it Measures
MAP Growth uses a RIT scale to accurately measure what students know, regardless of their grade level. It also measures growth over time, allowing you to track your child’s progress throughout the school year and across multiple years. Once your child completes a MAP Growth test, they receive a RIT score.

The Results: Your Child’s RIT Score
RIT scores have the same meaning across grade levels. If a fourth-grade student and an eighth grade student have the same RIT score in reading, then they are testing at the same level in that subject. You can use your child’s RIT score to help them meet their goals. For example, students can enter their RIT scores into the college explorer tool to see which colleges and universities they’re on track to enter. You can also check out online resources that use RIT scores to provide students with web-based exercises such as khanacademy.org. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do schools and teachers use MAP Growth scores?
Teachers can use the score to inform instruction, personalize learning, and monitor the growth of individual students. Principals and administrators can use the scores to see the performance and progress of a grade level, school, or the entire district.

Will I get a copy of my child’s MAP scores?
Parents will be provided their child’s MAP Student Progress Report after each assessment administration. This may be sent by itself or with the next report card. How will I know what the MAP scores tell me about my child’s growth? Please see the NWEA MAP Growth parent letter for detailed explanations. You are always welcome to contact your child’s campus administration and classroom teacher to have a conversation about your child’s progress.

Can MAP Growth tell me if my child is working at grade level?
Yes, but please note that MAP Growth scores are just one data point that teachers use to determine how a student is performing. Please discuss any questions that you have about your child’s performance with your child’s teacher.

How often will my child take MAP Growth tests?
Schools give MAP Growth tests to students at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year (in the fall, winter, and spring). 

What are norms?
NWEA provides schools with norms every three years. This is anonymous data from more than 10 million students around the country. Knowing the scores of all these students combined allows teachers to compare where your child is to other students and help them grow.

Is MAP Growth a standardized test?
Unlike a standardized test, MAP Growth is administered periodically during the school year. Instead of asking all students the same questions, it adjusts to each child’s performance— giving a more accurate measure of what they know. Teachers also receive results right away, which enables them to react more quickly.

What types of questions are on MAP Growth tests?
The MAP Growth tests include multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and other types of questions. For sample tests, visit warmup.nwea.org.

For tips on getting ready for MAP Growth testing, check out our blog: nwea.org/blog/category/parents
Find more parent resources at nwea.org/parent-toolkit
NWEA® is a not-for-profit organization that supports students and educators worldwide by providing assessment solutions, insightful reports, professional learning offerings, and research services. Visit NWEA.org to find out how NWEA can partner with you to help all kids learn.
© NWEA 2017. MAP and NWEA are registered trademarks, and MAP Skills, MAP Growth, and Measuring What Matters are trademarks, of NWEA in the US and in other countries. Illustrations © Adam Simpson and Heart 2017. The names of other companies and their products mentioned are the trademarks of their respective owners.