This research brief examines whether lower-income students who show high math achievement early in school are being identified and supported to sustain their success. The research addresses a broader concern that socioeconomic gaps in advanced learning opportunities may contribute to high-achieving, lower-income students falling off the path to advanced math, STEM education and careers.

This is the technical appendix to the research brief, Missing at the Top: Lower-income Students Underrepresented Among High Achievers, which examines whether lower-income students who show high math achievement early in school are being identified and supported to sustain their success.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.