As parents, it’s natural to feel a bit anxious when confronted with your child’s first standardized test scores. Whether it’s the NWEA MAP Growth test or another assessment, these scores are a snapshot of where your child stands academically at a specific point in time. Here at Saint Leo the Great School, we want to ensure that parents understand these scores and use them as a tool to support their child’s educational journey.

What is the NWEA MAP Growth Test?

The NWEA MAP Growth test is a computer-adaptive assessment that measures what students know and what they’re ready to learn next. By adapting to each student’s learning level, it provides a personalized assessment experience that accurately measures performance—whether a student performs on, above, or below grade level. This makes MAP Growth an invaluable tool for teachers in personalizing learning experiences and improving educational outcomes.

Reading the First Test Score

Receiving your child’s first MAP Growth score can be overwhelming. It is important to remember that their first test score is just the beginning, as they have been in school less than two months  after summer break.  Here's how to interpret the information:

• RIT Score: The RIT (Rasch Unit) score is a stable scale, like inches on a ruler, that measures student achievement regardless of age, grades, or grade level. It reflects the level of question difficulty a student can answer correctly 50% of the time. Higher RIT scores indicate higher achievement.

• Percentile Rank: This number indicates how your child compares to other students in the same grade nationally. For instance, a percentile rank of 45 means your child scored better than 45% of students in the same grade.

• Growth Projection: This score predicts your child’s growth trajectory and sets goals for improvement. It is an estimation of how your child will perform if they follow their current path.

How to View These Scores

It's important to view the first test score as a starting point, not a definitive measure of your child’s abilities or potential. Education is a journey, not a race, and each child grows at their own pace. Here’s how you can positively approach these test scores:

1. Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that this score is just the beginning. It helps identify strengths and areas for improvement.

2. Communicate with Teachers: Teachers at Saint Leo the Great School use these scores to tailor instruction to meet the needs of each student. Discuss the results with them to understand the broader context of your child’s learning environment and needs.

3. Support at Home: Reinforce learning at home through reading, problem-solving activities, and games that build academic skills. Encourage a positive attitude towards learning and resilience in facing academic challenges.

4. Celebrate Efforts, Not Just Results: Recognize and praise your child for their effort and perseverance in learning, not just the scores. This encourages a growth mindset and helps them value hard work and determination.

Partnering for Success

At Saint Leo the Great School, we believe in partnering with parents to foster a nurturing and supportive environment that promotes not only academic success but also personal growth and development. Understanding your child’s test scores is a step towards this partnership, helping ensure that every student receives the support and resources they need to thrive.

Remember, standardized test scores are helpful tools for measuring educational progress—they are not predictors of a child's future successes or capabilities. By working together, we can use these insights to enhance our children’s learning experiences and help them achieve their full potential. If you have any further questions, please contact Melissa Baker, Director of Resource at [email protected].