New Update Nov. 7: Gifted/MAP testing
The MAP window closes on Wednesday, Nov.11. Gifted testing starts Nov. 17 for last year’s eligible students. Parents of eligible students have been notified by Ms. Jones. If you have questions about MAP or gifted testing please contact Ms. Jones at Camille_L_Jones@dekalbschoolsga.org.
New Update Oct. 18: MAP testing continues for grades K-2. Students in grades 3-5 have completed their testing and we have a few students who need need to complete a make-up test. A huge thank you to our parents for your support!
To best serve our children, teachers need information to gauge where our children are and then be able to adjust their teaching. The MAP test is one of many ways to do just that. For more information we've posted some frequently asked questions and resources below.
Here is the recording for the live event held on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 5 p.m. Below is the upcoming testing schedule.
Huntley Hills Elementary and Montessori School
MAP Testing Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is MAP testing?
A. MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) 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. MAP Growth uses a RIT (Ready for Instruction Today) 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. MAP Growth is administered 3 times during the school year (Fall, Winter, and Spring). Instead of asking all students the same questions, it adjusts to each child’s performance; giving a more accurate measure of what they know. The MAP Growth tests include multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and other types of questions. 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.
Q. When is our school conducting the MAP testing?
A. Huntley Hills ES will begin the Fall Map administration Tuesday, Sept. 29 for students in grades 3rd – 5th. Students in grades K – 2nd will begin testing Thursday, Sept.15.
Q. What if my child is unable to take the MAP test on the scheduled date due to illness or previously scheduled appointments?
A. If a student is unable to test on a scheduled test day, a make-up window has been scheduled and the student will be allowed to test during the make-up window.
Q. When and how will be results shared with parents?
A. At the end of the DCSD MAP assessment window, all test data will go through a validation process. Once schools have been given the approval by the district to release MAP scores, parents will receive a detailed MAP score report that will detail each child’s overall progress.
Q. How will testing work?
A. Students will be administered the MAP in groups of 9. However, students in grade K – 1st will test in smaller test groups of 3 – 4 students. Students in grades K – 3rd are assessed in Reading and Math. Students in grades 3rd – 4th are assessed in Reading, Language Usage, Math and Science. The test is read to all students in grades K – 2nd. Students in grades 3rd – 5th do not have the test read to them unless their IEP, 504, ELL plan outlines that the accommodation is appropriate. Students are assessed in one content area per day of testing.
Q. How long will testing take?
A. Since there is no time limit for how long students can take to complete the MAP assessments the true answer is "it varies". However, the median time for most grades is less than an hour.
Q. How will testing impact their regular schedule?
A. Testing will impact the instructional day. Students who are not participating in a test session will have their assignments posted in SeeSaw or Google Classroom. Students will be tested during the morning session. They will attend class with their respective teachers during the afternoon instructional session. Teachers will provide a detailed schedule to parents prior to the assessment window.
Q What’s the ideal and optimal testing environment I should provide?
A. As with all virtual learning environments, minimize distractions for your child as much as possible and provide a quiet testing environment.
Q. I’m worried my child won’t do well on the test or in the testing environment, can I decline to have my child tested?
A. Although MAP Growth scores have multiple purposes (informing the Gifted and Magnet eligibility process), it provides teachers and leaders with real time data to guide instructional practices that address students’ academic needs. As always, DCSD will not force a student to take any assessment and a parent could affirmatively refuse to take any assessment and accept the consequences of that decision. Which in the case of the Fall MAP administration, it will not give teachers access to real time data or determine if there are any loses in learning since last Winter for students in grades 1st – 5th.
Q. With students being tested in small groups of nine, what should my child do when they are not completing the MAP test?
A. Students who are not participating in a test session will have their assignments posted in SeeSaw or Google Classroom. Students will be tested during the morning instructional block. They will attend class with their respective teachers during the afternoon instructional block.
Q. If my child does poorly, would this impact his/her ability to move to the next grade?
A. MAP growth is not an assessment used to determine promotion or retention. MAP results are used to provide teachers and administrators with data to inform instructional decisions for students. The Winter MAP administration will be used to provide data on growth measures from the Fall administration and inform decisions in the Gifted and Magnet eligibility process during the Winter administration.
Q. If my child excels on the test, will they move up to the next grade level?
A. No, MAP growth is not an assessment used to determine promotion, retention or grade acceleration.
Q. My child is struggling to take the test and I know they know the information; can I help them?
A. We are asking that parents do not provide prompts or guidance to their child during the test administration.
Q. What should I do as a parent to prepare my child?
A.
1. Make sure your child’s device has an internet connection.
2. Make sure your device meets testing requirements using the
Workstation Diagnostic Tool.
3. Make sure your child has headphones (Grades K – 2 and students with text
to speech accommodations).
4. Watch the MAP Growth introduction video
5. Practice the test at practice.mapnwea.org
Q. Who should I contact if I have questions about MAP testing?
A. If you any question regarding the MAP test administration, please email Mrs. Camille Jones, Assistant Principal and School Test Coordinator at Camille_L_Jones@dekalbschoolsga.org