Balloon arches, streamers and colorful posters fill the hallways of Jefferson Elementary. The decorations generate positive energy around spring testing and celebrate students’ work to prepare.
“It helps get them a little bit excited for the test and to see how important it is,” said Sara Austin, mother of two Jefferson Elementary students. “Jefferson does a great job at preparing the kids and getting them through the testing process and making it more of a fun activity.”
Austin learned more about her students’ progress during spring conferences. Her children, Liam and Madeline, are in sixth grade and fourth grade. Both have taken the MAP Growth assessment for years. They appreciate how their teachers use the results to support them in the classroom.
“It’s important because it shows what level you are at and what you need help with,” said Madeline. “I thought it was kind and sweet of them to decorate for us to encourage us for testing."
Students in kindergarten through ninth grade take the MAP Growth assessment three times a year. It measures academic growth in reading, mathematics and science.
We visited Jefferson Elementary last fall as they geared up for the first round of testing. At that time, students were still early in their learning for this school year.
“When we start the year, MAP scores give us a blueprint on where we need to go with the students,” said Jennifer Schlapia, Jefferson Elementary principal.
“We use those blueprints to provide quality instruction and interventions to move the students in the right direction. By the time we get to spring, the students have the skills they need to show progress.”
The assessment is an online, computerized test that adapts to each student and their ability. Schools share results with families after each assessment and use conferences as an opportunity to discuss student growth.
“It shows what they need assistance in, if they need more reinforcement or if I can request tutoring for them to strengthen their knowledge in, say, mathematics,” Austin explained. “It also helps my kids realize that they’ve done a good job and that they’re learning.”
Test results offer more than just numbers - they provide a pathway for families and schools to customize the best learning experience for students. Schools offer options like tutoring, supplemental worksheets or more one-on-one time if needed.
“It helps students see where they started and how much they’ve grown academically throughout the year,” said Jennifer Locke Miller, Jefferson Elementary instructional facilitator. “And it shows the teachers, who’ve been teaching the students all year, that they’ve prepared them to do amazing things.”
Visit our website for a family resource kit and guide to MAP Growth.
April 2024
