CalendarLawton Elementary and Seattle Public Schools are taking some important
steps this year towards our goal of ensuring an excellent education for
every student. Soon your child will take tests called Measures of
Academic Progress(tm) (MAP) in math and reading. We give students MAP
tests to determine your child’s instructional level; to measure academic
growth throughout the school year; and to measure growth from year to
year in the areas of reading and mathematics. Results from MAP are
available immediately and so will support our teachers in knowing what
students have learned and the progress they are making. Teachers will
use this data along with information collected from class work,
individual reading assessments, observations and the state test (MSP) as
they consider how to adjust instruction to help each student succeed.
Each school year, students in grades Kindergarten – Ninth Grade take the
tests in September/October, January and April/May. This year, teachers
will share information about MAP results during parent-teacher
conferences in November.
The tests will be taken using a computer. Most students spend about
40-50 minutes completing these tests in each subject area. MAP tests are
unique in that they adapt to be appropriate for your child’s level of
learning. As a result, each student has the same opportunity to succeed
and maintain a positive attitude toward testing. And with MAP tests, we
can administer shorter tests and use less class time while still
receiving detailed, accurate information about your child’s growth.
Students in Kindergarten and 1st grade are given a test with audio
support, which reads the test items aloud to the students. Some older
students who struggle with reading take this test as well.
We are truly excited to have a new tool available to our teachers and
students that will help us focus on every child’s individual growth and
achievement. Consistently tracking student progress and using that data
to help improve student achievement is a key strategy of Seattle Public
Schools’ strategic plan, Excellence for All.
Thank you for partnering with us as we work together to ensure an
excellent education for your child. For more information about MAP,
including resources for parents and guardians,
click on this Link to MAP on the Seattle Public Schools website
http://www.seattleschools.org/area/mapassess/index.dxml
For an overview of the primary test with audio support, click on this
link.
http://www.nwea.org/sites/www.nwea.org/files/tutorials/primary-warmup/in
dex.html
The Warm-Up will be done with all Kindergarten and 1st grade students at
school to introduce them to MAP and may be completed at home as well.
