Historical Data

Longitudinal Data represents a set of time-stamped scores across different points in time for an individual student. It builds a purely historical database as it is based on past events and observations. 

There are several advantages to using this kind of data: 

• It allows for analysis of individual and group academic growth and proficiency over time.  
• It provides information to assess student performance and monitor progress in closing the achievement gap.
• It facilitates analysis of cause and/or influencing factors like mobility, retention and attrition on scores.
• It enhances the probability of complete test histories for individual students since prior achievement is a predictor of future performance
• It provides stored data that is consistent and valid over periods of time so that educators can determine whether they are adequately preparing students. 

MAP tests measure academic growth over time independent of grade level or age. As outlined in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), schools must be able to show adequate yearly progress (AYP) in academic achievement. To fully comply with federal collecting and reporting requirements, a district needs to be able to track student achievement data over time. MAP provides school districts and educators access to data that can be extracted and disaggregated to monitor student achievement and evaluate progress and investment. More specifically, MAP longitudinal data allows schools to regularly analyze student achievement against a district’s curriculum standards before the high stakes accountability tests and assign intervention based on each student’s strengths and weaknesses. Using this information, schools are able to identify best practices for modifying the learning environment and meeting the learning needs of individual students.