NWEA Testing
During the 2019-2020 school year, the Diocese of Scranton Office of Catholic Schools introduced NWEA Map Growth and Reading Fluency as a replacement to the Terra Nova Test.
What is NWEA?
NWEA is a research-based, not-for-profit organization that supports students and educators worldwide by creating assessment solutions that precisely measure growth and proficiency—and provide insights to help tailor instruction.
For more information, visit the NWEA website by clicking here.
What is Map Growth?
MAP® Growth™ is a computer-adaptive test. Each adaptive assessment focuses on one academic area: Reading, English Language Arts, Math, and Science. If your child answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging. If they answer incorrectly, the next one is easier. This type of assessment challenges top performers without overwhelming students whose skills are below grade level. This type of assessment helps teachers identify areas of strength and areas in need of improvement.
Family Guide to Map Growth (English)
Family Guide to Map Growth (Spanish)
What is MAP Reading Fluency?
MAP® Reading Fluency™ is a universal screener and progress monitoring assessment of early reading that can also be used with older students at risk of reading difficulty. Students can take the assessment in approximately 20 minutes, either individually or in groups, using a headset with a boom microphone. Students in Kindergarten to Second grade take the MAP Reading Fluency assessment.
How are results used?
Teachers use these assessments to identify the concepts students have already grasped, what they’re ready to learn next and what types of activities can help reinforce that learning. Results are used as a benchmark to help plan the most effective instruction for the whole class as well as for each child.
Who takes these assessments?
All students in grades Kindergarten to Sixth grade take these assessments.
When are the assessments administered?
They are administered 3 times a year: Fall, Winter, and Spring.
How long are these assessments?
They take about 20-60 minutes (15-20 minutes for the youngest children). The full assessment can be completed over multiple sessions in our Library Media Center or in a student’s classroom. These are not “timed tests,” so a student can work at whatever pace is most comfortable. Additional time will be given as needed and a student will not be penalized if they need more time.
What if my child has never used a computer?
That’s ok! Children will not be using the keyboard. They will only need to use the mouse to select their answers. Before the youngest students begin the assessment, we use a quick pre-screen to identify whether they are able to use the mouse correctly. Students who do not pass the pre-screen will not be able to take the assessment until they reinforce their mousing skills. This ensures that our academic data is not skewed by computer abilities. Children as young as 3-4 years old grasp mousing quickly with just a bit of instructional guidance, even if they have never used a computer before.
How do I understand my child’s MAP testing results?
Click here to learn more about NWEA MAP testing results.