Understanding NWEA MAP Workshop for

ParentsPlymouth Public Schools

February 10, 2014Presenter: Jodiann Tenney, Ed.D, Director of

Curriculum and Instruction

What is MAP?• MAP (Measures of Academic Progress)

are achievement tests delivered by computer to students

• Each test takes 35-60 minutes• In Mathematics, Reading, and

Language Use

What is a computer adaptive test?• The difficulty of the test adjusts to the students’

performance. As they answer correctly, the questions become harder. As they answer incorrectly, the questions become easier.

• It will build a test unique to each student.

Why use MAP tests?• To inform instruction and learning,

inform grouping and differentiated support (learning ladders)

• To measure progress over time, specifically individual student growth (RIT score)

• To help students set learning goals• To help parents understand children’s

learning needs

Key Principles of Assessment• Assessments should be designed primarily to

enhance learning, not simply to get data for a report.

• Assessments should measure growth in student learning from one point in time to another as well as attainment of standards.

• One or two test results should never be the sole indicators of student growth and achievement.

• Test taking should not overwhelm a student’s classroom experience, a teacher’s instruction, or a school system’s resources.

Importance of Multiple Measures

When done properly, measuring student learning is an essential tool in educating children. The use of multiple and/or formative assessments provides appropriate evidence of student learning to ensure accountability to students and the district community. The data from these assessments can be used to help modify instructional practice to better meet students’ individual learning needs.

-Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)

Importance of MindsetFixed Mindset - Feedback viewed as criticism

Growth Mindset - Openly embraces feedback, encourages learning and effort

More info at: http://alexvermeer.com/why-your-mindset-important/

How teachers will use MAP:

Curriculum Laddershttp://www.foridahoteachers.org/curriculum_ladders.htm#.UvghC_ldVqW

Individual Student Reports

What is a Lexile score?• A Lexile text measure is based on the semantic and syntactic elements of

a text.

• The Lexile text measure is a good starting point in the book-selection process, with these other factors then being considered.

• For example, if a reader has a Lexile measure of 600L, the reader will be forecasted to comprehend approximately 75% of a book with the same Lexile measure (600L).

• Many other factors affect the relationship between a reader and a book, including its content, the age and interests of the reader, and the design of the actual book.

Lexiles (cont.)• When a Lexile text measure matches a Lexile reader measure, this is

called a "targeted" reading experience. The reader will likely encounter

some level of difficulty with the text, but not enough to get frustrated. This

is the best way to grow as a reader—with text that's not too hard but not

too easy.

• Use Lexile range on www.lexile.com Find a Book search. And don't be

afraid to look at books above and below someone's Lexile range. Just

know that a reader might find these books particularly challenging or

simple.

Sample Lexile Levels

The Firm — John Grisham 680 Jurassic Park — Michael Crichton 710 Harry Potter Series — J. K. Rowling 880 Interview with a Vampire — Anne Rice 970 Frankenstein — Mary Shelly 1170 USA Today 1200 A Brief History of Time — Stephen Hawking 1290Wall Street Journal 1320

- Gary Williamson, Ph.D. 2004

Lexile Levels and College Readiness

Common Core Lexile Bands

What can a parent do?1. Use results to encourage your child using a growth mindset

Is your child strong in literature, but low in informational text? You can help him or her find information text that would interest him/her. You can read and discuss news articles together on the weekends (see www.newsela.com). Is your child strong in reading, but weaker in Math? You can guide him or her to websites that offer extra Math practice or encourage your child to be sure to ask questions in Math class or ask teachers for extra help.

What can a parent do (cont.)?2. Goal setting - Look at the student’s RIT projection. What is it? What are some things your child can do to try to reach his spring RIT score? Ask your child to talk to his/her teacher to find 1 or 2 focus areas that he/she can work on.

3. Encourage your child to read, read, and read. Research shows the more you read, the better reader you will become. Help your child find text that he or she likes to promote a life-long love of reading.

What a parent can do: ELA

www.lexile.com To find books by Lexile level

www.newsela.com Website with various news articles at different Lexile levels

www.vocabulary.com A good site for vocabulary development

http://depts.dyc.edu/learningcenter/owl/index.htm

For grammar explanations and practice

What a parent can do: Math

www. khanacademy.org An amazing free website that offers online assessments and lessons

www.ixl.com Another great website with practice problems for students