Tips for Preparing for the MAP Tests

This week is the second week of our MAP Fall testing session. The Measure of Academic Progress -- or MAP as it is generally known-- is a computer-generated test. The MAP was designed to measure primary student-level knowledge in reading and math. Each student takes a unique test because the program is designed to ask progressively more difficult questions if a student answers correctly, or ask easier ones if the opposite is true. The results of the MAP tests help students, parents and educators plan accordingly

Involving all the stakeholders -- students, parents, teachers, administrators -- presents a "united front" in preparing for the MAP. Everyone's being actively involved in the lead-up to the MAP test will result in less stress and higher scores. Working with the free online preparation tests will help parents better understand the standardized test their child is taking.

If parents help their children with their homework and monitor the progress, students will develop a better knowledge base. The math section, for example, assesses general math as well as concepts and processes. The IXL skills our Elementary Students have been practicing is a great way for students to prepare for the MAP assessments.

With online practice tests, students can become familiar with the format and the expectations. Students need to understand how to answer multiple-choice questions on a computer generated test. For example, they can click on different answers, but once they press "go" they cannot change their minds. The more they practice with the genre, the more comfortable they will be with it.

In preparation for the MAP, students should get a good night's sleep and have breakfast before taking the tests. Like any activity that requires mental concentration, the MAP is best taken when refreshed.

If you would like to help your child prepare for these assessments, select a link below (math or reading practice) and click on the score ranges your child received on the last MAP assessment.  (Please contact your child’s teacher if you do not know your child's last MAP scores.) This will direct you to leveled activities that are appropriate practice for upcoming MAP assessments.

Math practice leveled by MAP scores http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/ro/Pages/studentlinks/map/

Reading practice leveled by MAP scores
http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/ro/pages/studentlinks/map/reading.htm