What Is MAP Testing?

MAP was introduced to students in grades kindergarten through ten during the 2009-2010 school year. MAP stands for Measures of Academic Progress.  It is a computerized adaptive test which helps teachers, parents, and administrators improve learning for all students and make informed decisions to promote a child's academic growth.  Students take the MAP assessment three times during the year - fall, winter and spring.

When taking the MAP test, the difficulty of each question is based on how well a student answers all the previous questions.  As the student answers correctly, questions become more difficult.  If the student answers incorrectly, questions become easier.  This continues until the assessment finds the student's "just right" level.

Summer Approaching!

Well, even on a rainy day where it feels like fall we know that school will be out in five short days.  What can you do to help your children keep their skills up over the summer? There absolutely are some great, fun activities you can do with your child to avoid the "summer slide" (children losing their skills over the summer).

Have fun!  Remember... both reading and math need practice to keep those muscles tone and tight.

READING IDEAS:

1. READ, READ, READ!  Read twenty minutes every day...  Read to your child, have your child read to you and take turns reading.  If you do this every day, and talk about the stories you read, your child will maintain those great skills over the summer.  So, don't forget your library card and hit the library!
2. READING ROCKET READING LISTS  Books are listed by age level.
3. SUMMER FUN!  
4. SUMMER READING FUN
5. TEN WEEKS OF SUMMER READING ADVENTURES FOR YOU AND YOUR KIDS

MATH TOO!

1. SUMMER FUN WITH FOUR MATH CONCEPTS
2. MAKE MATH FUN UNDER THE SUN
3. SUMMER MATH FUN - MATH COACHES CORNER

Making Sense of Lexile Reading Scores

I ran across this very helpful power point presentation put together by the Georgia Department of Education.  You will find useful information that should help you in not only understanding Lexile level, but when you go to find books in libraries or book stores.

MAKING SENSE OF LEXILE READING SCORES

slide 10-13:  What is the Lexile Framework & Scale
slide 15-18:  Accessing the Find A Book Tool
slide 30-32:  Parents Can Use Lexiles
slide 34:  Relationship of Lexiles & Grade Levels

READING IS THE

TO SUCCESS IN SCHOOL!

MAP Window is Open!

The MAP assessment window has opened at our schools.  What can you do to help your child prepare you ask?  Here are a few tips that might help.  These are tips for any type of classroom assessment, MAP or SBA's.

1. Make attendance a priority, especially on days you know some type of testing is occurring - be it a MAP test, an SBA, or a classroom assessment.  It is critical for your child to be at school as many days as possible.  Missed instruction simply cannot be made up.  Even if you ask for work for your child, the instruction that is provided during the school day cannot be replicated.
2. Make note of test days on your calendar.  Everything from a spelling test, to a math assessment, to a high-stakes assessment...  by noting it on your calendar, both you and your child will know when test days are happening.
3. Look over your child's homework daily.  If your child is struggling, talk with your child's teacher and find out how you can help.
4. Set a bedtime, and stick to it.  It is easy to underestimate the importance of enough sleep.  Tired children have difficulty focusing on learning or tasks.  So, lots of sleep is needed!
5. Don't forget to eat breakfast!  Breakfast is the most important meal of the day they say.  So, have a healthy breakfast low in sugar.  Our kiddos learn better when they have a full tummy!

IT'S TIME TO SHOW WHAT YOU KNOW!

Next Assessment Window Begins After Break

As we quickly approach the winter holiday, please take time to think about all the ways you can help support your child at home with reading, writing and mathematics...  Here are a few ideas to help.

1.  Read, read, read.  Twenty minutes a day of reading is a huge gift you can give to your child!

Parent Conferences

If you are an elementary parent, you recently had your parent conference and received your MAP Student Progress Report.  I thought this would be a good time to repost the link that describes how to read the student progress report.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact your child's teacher or principal.  

Understanding Student Progress Reports

Read About Westfield-Washington Schools...

Read about Westfield-Washington Schools in Hamilton County, Indiana and how MAP assessments define and unify their district's academic culture.

WESTFIELD-WASHINGTON SCHOOLS