I think the power of NWEA's MAP assessment lies in how the data is used. We
are in our second year using MAP in grades K-6. The assessment is FAR more
informative than any other standardized or state test I have seen. Since the
test is a computer-adaptive test, it adjusts fairly quickly to a student's
level, so I have not experienced students becoming frustrated and giving up/
guessing. Students are much more motivated for this assessment than any other,
because they get immediate results. Our students know what their goals are and
as soon as they finish the test they know if they have met their goal or not.
The data you get back from MAP is very helpful in determining strengths and
weaknesses in both your class and individuals. As opposed to saying, this child
is below level and nothing more, MAP gives specific feedback as to which of
your state standards students need more support in. What I think I like most
about MAP is the focus on GROWTH. By using MAP my school is recognizing how
much "value added" there is with students each year. We can see which students
are not being reached and provide interventions. In addition, instructors are
recognized for their efforts when they have a student who comes into their
classroom three year below grade level, and then later in the year, the student
is only a year below grade level. Instructors need to be held accountable---
and praised--- when students grow in their abilities, even if the students
aren't exactly where we need them to be yet.
I have a friend who teaches in Kansas City (where they also use MAP) and she
didn't really know much about the test, so she didn't really like it. I think
once you become familiar with the assessment (and the NWEA website is an
awesome resource for that) the benefits are clear. I have attended several
workshops with NWEA representatives as well as attended the national conference
last year. In addition I have taken the MAP test myself (more than several
times!) both the primary and regular MAP versions. I would say that overall,
the test is fair and adaptive, as promised.
I agree that when students are used to marking the text are going to be a
little disoriented at first when they have to read from a computer screen, but
I also know that once students have taken MAP once, they know what to expect
and if they are proficient with the use of strategies, they don't need to mark
the text.
I 100% agree with Paula and Barb when they mentioned that the way we
"prepare" for a test is to TEACH! It scares me a bit when instructors talk
about how they are going to prepare students for a test. You are preparing
them everyday with your instruction! If we are doing our job in classrooms,
then aside from a few "test genre" strategies, our students know what they need
to know to do well.
I highly recommend that anyone in a district using MAP look further into the
assessment (including DesCartes) before you brush it off as not useful or valid.
p.s. When I used MAP as a 1st grade teacher I HATED the assessment. Now that
I know more about it, I see all the benefits of this particular assessment and
I can effectively use the data to help teachers and students.
~Stephanie Bartell, Literacy Coordinator
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Galapagos Charter School, Chicago, IL
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