MAP Growth Course-Specific Tests Technical Report for 2024–2025
This comprehensive technical report documents the design, development, and validation of MAP Growth Course-Specific assessments for the 2024–2025 school year. It presents evidence of psychometric quality, including adaptive testing methods, reliability, validity, fairness, and score interpretation across grades and courses.
By: Xueming (Sylvia) Li, Janice Johnson, Patrick Meyer
Products: MAP Growth
Topics: Computer adaptive testing, Item response theory, Measurement & scaling, Test design
Using a case study from a U.S. school district, this research brief examines the practices and conditions of a coherent instructional system, and where and how it had the most impact. It offers a practical model that leaders can adapt in their own schools to help strengthen instruction across classrooms.
By: Susan Kowalski, Ayesha K. Hashim
Products: MAP Growth
Topics: Empowering educators, Growth, Informing instruction, Math & STEM
This is the technical appendix to the research brief, “The Power of Connectedness: A Case for a Coherent Instructional System for Reading and Science Improvement,” which examines the practices and conditions of a coherent instructional system, and where and how it had the most impact.
By: Susan Kowalski, Ayesha K. Hashim
Products: MAP Growth
Topics: Empowering educators, Growth, Informing instruction, Math & STEM
User Guide and FAQ: MAP Growth National Dashboard
This user guide explains how to navigate the MAP® Growth™ National Dashboard, understand the key metrics and terms, make appropriate comparisons of data, and communicate findings responsibly. This guide also includes a robust “Frequently Asked Questions” section that provides in-depth answers about the dashboard and its uses.
By: Emily Morton, Karyn Lewis, Megan Kuhfeld
Products: MAP Growth
Topics: Growth
Technical Appendix: MAP Growth National Dashboard
This is the accompanying technical appendix to the MAP Growth National Dashboard providing more details of the data and describing more fully the sample and methods used within the dashboard.
By: Karyn Lewis, Megan Kuhfeld
Products: MAP Growth
Topics: Growth
Using data from the MAP Growth National Dashboard, this Trends Snapshot report focuses on academic growth trends post-COVID and points to a positive turn for U.S. reading after years of stagnation. This positive trend was also noted for historically underserved groups who showed the largest reading gains from 2025 to 2026.
By: Megan Kuhfeld, Karyn Lewis
Products: MAP Growth
Topics: COVID-19 & schools, Growth, Math & STEM, Reading & language arts
The College Explorer from NWEA® helps students, parents, and teachers develop pathways to higher education. This powerful tool links MAP® Growth™ scores with national benchmarks for colleges, universities, and even specific majors. Together with goal setting and parent conferences, College Explorer can help students develop a plan, consider new possibilities, and put post-secondary dreams within reach.
By: Susan Kowalski
Topics: Innovations in reporting & assessment, College & career readiness, High school