FAQ: Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)

What are Measures of Academic Progress, or MAP tests?

MAP assessments are adaptive achievement tests in Mathematics, Reading, Language Usage, and Science that are taken on a computer.

What are computerized adaptive tests?

Computerized adaptive tests are taken on a computer. The difficulty of a test is adjusted to the student's performance so each student sees different test questions. The difficulty of each question is based on how well the student has answered the questions up to that point. As the student answers correctly, the questions become more difficult. If the student answers incorrectly, the questions become easier.

How often can a student be tested?

Districts have the option of testing their students up to four times a year. Students typically take tests at the beginning of the school year and at the end of the school year. Some districts may also choose to test students in winter and summer.

Do all students in the same grade take the same test?

No. The computer adjusts the difficulty of the questions so that each student takes a unique test.

What type of scores are reported on NWEA MAP assessments?

• Percentile scores
• Achievement scores
• Growth scores

What is the RIT scale?

The scale NWEA uses to measure a student's progress is called the RIT scale, short for Rasch Unit. The RIT scale is an equal-interval scale much like centimeters on a meterstick. It is used to chart a student's academic growth from year to year.

If you would like more information on the RIT scale, refer to the following materials:

• Hambleto, R.K. , Swaminathan, H., & Rogers, J. (1991). Fundamentals of Item Response Theory. Newbury Park: Sage.
• Ingebo, G. (1997). Probability in the Measure of Achievement. Chicago: MESA Press 
• Wright, B.D. & Stone, M. (1979). Best Test Design. Chicago: MESA Press.
• Visit http://edres.org/irt/ for introductory material about the item response theory and the Rasch model.

What grades are MAP tests applicable for?

In general, students in grades 2 through 10 take MAP tests because the tests are grade independent, they may be appropriate for students in lower or higher grades. NWEA is completing the development of tests for early primary grade students.

How do MAP tests tie in with local curriculum?

MAP tests are aligned to the content and structure of state standards.

Can students with special needs take MAP tests?

Because the tests are adaptive and un-timed, they often are appropriate for special needs students.

What are the minimum technical requirements for administering MAP?

View the technical requirements here.