Dear Parents/Guardians,

Starting the week of September 21, students in grades 6-8 will complete the Measures of Academic Progress benchmark assessment from Northwest Evaluation Association, or NWEA MAP, for mathematics and reading. NWEA ​MAP Growth is used to measure a student’s performance level at different times of the school year and determine their academic growth in mathematics and reading. Teachers can use results to tailor classroom lessons and set goals for students.

MAP Growth tests are unique, and it adapts to your child’s responses to measure your child’s skill level. If your child answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging. If they answer incorrectly, the next one is easier. These results will provide a more complete picture of what your child knows and is ready to learn—whether on, above, or below their grade level.

Since MAP Growth tests provide immediate and accurate information about your child’s learning, it’s easy for ​teachers to identify students with similar scores that are generally ready for instruction in similar skills and topics, and then plan instruction accordingly​. Each school year, students take the tests, three times a year. Following each testing period, you will receive a Family Report showing a summary of how your child is performing academically.

We are truly excited to focus on your child’s individual growth and achievement. If you would not like your child to participate in this assessment, please contact me. Please understand that if you choose to exempt your student from the assessment no scores or summary of individual student performance will be provided to you or your student. For more information about MAP Growth, visit NWEA.org/familytoolkit​.

Sincerely,

Matthew Benson
Principal
mbenson@sau15.net
603-518-5047, ext. 5003