What is the NWEA MAP Test

Northwest Evaluation Association Measures of Academic Progress Test

The NWEA MAP stands for, the Northwest Evaluation Association Measures of Academic Progress. It is an adaptive test that offers a personalized evaluation experience to assess growth and achievements of each student.

Established by the non-profit organization, the NWEA, the MAP test was created in 2000 as the successor to the first online test adapative test developed back in 1995. Since its inception the NWEA MAP test has assessed over 4.5 million students, in over 49 countries, and as a result has become the industry standard way of measuring a student’ level of education.

Who takes it?
Administered to students through K-12 (from kindergarten to 12th grade), MAP is designed to identify a student’s specific strengths and weaknesses. This helps teachers better understand what each student requires, so the approach to teaching can be adjusted if needed.

When is it held?
Schools typically hold MAP tests at the start and end of the year, with additional MAP growth tests held midway through.

NWEA MAP TEST

How it works…

The MAP test is taken on a computer. Questions are presented on screen in a multi-choice format, and as the student answers, the following questions are then adjusted in real-time, based on the student’s response.

The test isn’t officially timed, however most adjudicators will set an hour to complete it. Results typically get published the next day, and a follow up class in which teachers give feedback, is arranged as soon as possible.

The test is scored using the Rasch UnIT / RIT scale, a stable vertically aligned equal interval scale, similar to inches on a ruler, that can be applied to all grades.

NWEA MAP TEST

What it involves…

NWEA MAP evaluates several key skill in language. These include language comprehension and decoding, reading and fluency, and literal comprehension. Each test also includes a section on math.

Being more of an evaluation, as opposed to a test of knowledge, MAP tests generally have lower stakes than traditional exams. This is especially true for mid-year MAP growth tests.

For this reason there really is no reason to worry. However, that doesn’t mean a little preparation won’t help, as it certainly will; even if just to settle pre-exam nerves so you can sit the test in comfort.

What is Northwest Evaluation Association Measures of Academic Progress test? And how should you prepare?

NWEA MAP

Test Preparation

How to Prepare for NWEA MAP Test

Since the test isn’t scoring and grading students based on their objective answers, preparation for the MAP tests is a little different. Instead of trying to anticipate and memorize questions and answers, it may be more beneficial to simply go over what to expect with your teacher.

It’s highly likely your teacher will have already set aside some class time to discuss the upcoming test. However, if that isn’t the case, try talking to the teacher after class/during lunch. Should you feel these steps inadequate, then private or group lessons could provide a suitable solution.

If you’d like to find out more about the NWEA MAP test, or would like additional assistance with it, or any other exam prep, please feel free to contact us with your inquiries.