NWEA MAP Growth: What Families Need to Know
Today we kicked off NWEA MAP Growth testing for students in grades K–6.
Students will take Reading (ELA) and Math; 5th grade students will also take Science. Below is an overview of what MAP Growth is, how it works, what results you’ll receive, and how you can support your child.
What is the MAP Growth test?
Adaptive assessment (untimed). MAP Growth is a computer-adaptive test. As students answer, the test adjusts—questions become easier or harder to pinpoint what each student knows and is ready to learn next. Because it’s untimed, students can work at a comfortable pace. Most sessions take about 40–60 minutes, though this varies by subject and grade.
Measures growth over time. The primary purpose is to track academic progress across school years, particularly in reading and math. (Some schools also assess language usage; at Hershey Elementary, we assess Reading and Math in K–6, with Science in 5th grade.)
What results will you receive?
RIT score. Students receive a RIT (Rasch Unit) score—a stable, equal-interval scale that identifies current performance regardless of grade level.
Detailed score report. You’ll see your child’s achievement and how it compares to students nationwide.
Growth data. Reports include your child’s progress over time and projected growth, helping you see whether they’re on track.
Instructional insights. Teachers use MAP Growth data to tailor instruction for individuals, small groups, and whole classes.
Quick availability. Unlike state assessments, MAP Growth results are typically available to educators within 48 hours, allowing timely adjustments to teaching and learning.
When do students test?
Students are typically assessed three times per year—Fall, Winter, and Spring—to monitor growth and guide instruction.
How you can help your child?
Arrive on time on testing days.
Prioritize sleep the night before.
Eat a nutritious breakfast.
Offer a positive word of encouragement—it sets the tone for a great day!
If you have questions, please reach out to your child’s classroom teacher.
FAQ
How often will my child be tested?
Typically Fall, Winter, and Spring.
What are MAP tests used for?
They measure each student’s growth over time—similar to marks on a growth chart—so we can see progress in reading and math and adjust instruction accordingly.
How will the school use the scores?
Teachers and grade-level teams use results to identify strengths and areas for support, guide individual and group instruction, and inform school and district efforts to help every student grow.
Commonly used terms
District Average: The average RIT score for all students in our district (same grade and testing term).
Norm Group Average: The average score for students nationwide in the same grade and term, based on NWEA’s latest norm study.
Percentile Rank: Shows how your child’s score compares to the norm group (e.g., 72nd percentile means they scored as well as or better than 72% of similar students).
Percentile Range: A range reflecting the statistical precision of the percentile estimate.
RIT (Rasch Unit): An equal-interval scale (like inches on a ruler) used by MAP Growth to measure achievement and growth consistently over time.
For more information about NWEA, visit nwea.org.
Go Panthers! 🐾