Test Package Updates
Test questions, or test items, are updated periodically to refresh the available test items with new items or to remove retired items.
NWEA repackages current test versions four times a year.
NWEA annually audits state standards to deem whether a new test and DesCartes version is needed. How often a new test version might be necessary for a state depends on the cycle of standard updates deemed by the state. Some have a four year cycle, while others update yearly. It is important to administer NWEA's MAP assessments each term from the most recent test packages available.
Downloading new test packages every term may provide either or both of the following benefits:
- An updated test version that reflects the most recently adopted state standards for one or more subjects, which represent any changes in skills or concepts within the standards as well as any changes to standard strands or goals that consequently would then appear in an updated test Goal Structure.
- A repackaged test version that includes refreshed test pools.
In addition, reusing outdated test packages from prior terms allows for an over-exposure of items, which affects the validity of a student's score.
NWEA deploys repackaged tests four times a year and recommends that districts update their test packages by re-downloading every testing season as it provides the benefit of both refreshed test pools and increased opportunity for field test item exposure. Specifically, a refreshed test package will include the following updates:
- Newly processed field test items available for student exposure to determine calibration.
- Newly calibrated items that will further enhance and expand the test item pools.
- Deactivation of retired test items that have been removed due to valid content or display issues. This ensures that students aren't exposed to items known to be problematic.