MAP Growth Parent Information

What is a MAP Growth?
The Measures of Academic Progress or MAP tests are achievement measures in mathematics, reading, language usage, and science that are delivered to students on the computer. Students view each question on the computer screen, then select an answer using the mouse or the keyboard. Unlike fixed-form paper and pencil tests with a set group of items, the MAP test adjusts to each student’s performance. If your child answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging. If they answer incorrectly, the next question is easier. This type of assessment challenges top performers without overwhelming students whose skills are below grade level.

What is MAP Growth?

How often will my child take MAP Growth tests?
Duncanville ISD will administer the MAP Growth test to students in grades K-12 at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year (in the fall, winter, and spring).

What subjects will my child be tested in?
Students will be tested in specific subject areas based on grade level in K-8, and in high school based on the student's schedule of courses. For a complete list of MAP Growth test subjects by grade level, click HERE.

MAP RIT Scores?
After each MAP test, students receive a RIT score. Think of the score as a student's height. The score reflects the student's academic knowledge, skills, and abilities like inches reflect height. The RIG (Rasch Unit) scale is a stable, equal-interval scale, like feet and inches. Equal=interval means that a change of 10 RIT points indicates the same thing regardless of whether a student is at the top, bottom, or middle of the scale. A RIT score has the same meaning regardless of the grade level or age of the students. Scores over time can be compared to tell how much growth the student has made, similar to measuring height with a ruler. RIT scores help educators understand what every child is ready to learn. MAP tests produce scores that make it possible to monitor student growth from year to year.  The information above is taken from the Family Guide to MAP Growth English/Spanish.

How do schools and teachers us 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, a school, or the entire district. 

Remember, your child's MAP Growth RIT score is not a grade. Instead, it is a single data point that helps their teacher know what they are ready to learn next. It is there to inform the teacher's instructional decisions.

Why Educators Use MAP Growth

What types of questions are on the MAP Growth test?
The MAP Growth test includes multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and other types of questions. To view sample test questions and get more information about the test, visit Warmup.NWEA.org.

Can I help my child prepare for the MAP Growth test?
Of course, that is "prepare," not "study." Students should not study for MAP Growth, but it is always good to know what to expect. For tips to prepare your child for the MAP Growth test, read the following article, "Preparing for MAP Growth: 20 tips for families."

Will I get a copy of my child's MAP Growth test results?
Yes, you will receive a family report with your child's MAP Growth results; see, Sample MAP Growth Family Report. More samples and explanations on Family Reports are coming soon. 

To learn more about MAP Growth, go to the MAP Growth Family Toolkit webpage, which provides videos, guides, and more.