Local students prepare for MAP testing
Scratch no more! The truth is that MAP scores have many financial and legislative ramifications in our area schools. Here you'll find detailed information about the MAP test and its implication in Missouri schools.
While MAP testing was created and mandated in Missouri in 1993, it was President George W. Bush's No Child Left Behind Act in 2001 that spotlighted MAP testing as a nationally-recognized requirement in Missouri schools. Under NCLB, schools and districts across the country must show "adequate yearly progress" or risk losing federal education funding.
The MAP currently includes communication arts and mathematics assessments for grades 3 through 8; science assessments for grades 5 and 8; and end of course exams for Algebra I, Biology I, and English II.
How is the MAP test scored?
- The multiple choice section is graded by machine. Typically, groups of teachers around the state come together* to grade the performance parts of the exam by hand. However, due to funding cuts, the MAP-Scoring Program will not be offered to teachers this summer.
- Students taking the MAP can score at one of four levels: advanced, proficient, basic, or below basic.
Knowing what the test is and how it is scored is important because MAP results directly affect funding allocated to Missouri schools.
How does my school rank?
- Individual scores for every school in the state of Missouri are available to the public through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
- Comparison of schools side by side is also available.
To review the actual state standards for assessment in Missouri, visit the Library Center Local History Department. Or, check out these titles to help your child achieve better scores in standardized testing.
- How's my kid doing? Practical answers to questions every parent asks about their kid's education By Keith Frome
- The mom book goes to school: insider tips to ensure your child thrives in elementary and middle school By Stacey DeBroff
- How to do your best on tests By Sara Dulaney Gilbert
- Homework without tears By Lee Canter and Lee Hausner
- Stressed out students' guide to dealing with tests By Lisa Medoff
Find this article at http://thelibrary.org/blogs/article.cfm?aid=281