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The Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test is an adaptive, computer-based assessment that measures student growth in reading, language usage, and mathematics. It is used in schools across the United States and around the world, as well as Hong Kong international schools.
What the MAP Test Covers
The MAP test is designed to assess a student's academic performance in three key subject areas: reading, language usage, and mathematics. Each section of the test covers a wide range of skills and concepts that are appropriate for the student's grade level. For example, in reading, students in lower grades may be tested on basic phonics and decoding skills, while students in higher grades may be tested on their ability to analyze and interpret complex texts.
Similarly, in language usage, younger students may be tested on basic grammar and sentence structure, while older students may be tested on more advanced topics like figurative language and rhetorical devices.
In mathematics, the test covers a range of topics from basic addition and subtraction to advanced algebra and calculus.
What the MAP Test Tests
The MAP test is an adaptive assessment, meaning that the difficulty of the questions adjusts to the student's level of performance as they progress through the test. This allows the test to accurately measure a student's current knowledge and provide insights into their individual strengths and weaknesses. The test is also designed to measure growth over time, allowing educators to track a student's progress from year to year and adjust their instruction accordingly.
In each section of the test, students are presented with a series of multiple-choice questions. The questions are designed to assess not only what the student knows but also how they think and approach problem-solving. For example, in mathematics, students may be asked to solve a problem using multiple methods, allowing educators to see how they approach and solve complex problems.
How the MAP Test is Used in the United States
In the United States, the MAP test is used by many schools as part of their regular assessment and instructional practices. The test is aligned with the Common Core State Standards, which are a set of learning objectives that define the knowledge and skills that students should have at each grade level. This alignment allows educators to use the test results to identify areas where students may need additional support and to adjust their instruction to better meet the needs of individual students.
In addition to measuring academic growth, the MAP test is also used as a tool for predicting student performance on other assessments, such as state standardized tests. By using the MAP test results to identify areas where students may need additional support, educators can provide targeted instruction to help students improve their performance on these other assessments.
How the MAP Test is Used in Hong Kong International Schools
In Hong Kong international schools, the MAP test is primarily used for entrance assessments into top international schools like Hong Kong International School (HKIS) and Canadian International School (CDNIS). It's important to note that the HKIS assessment is an abbreviated version of the official test, allowing 20 minutes for reading, language usage, maths and the essay.
Topics Covered on the MAP
Reading:
Grade 1-2:
Basic phonics and decoding
Vocabulary development
Reading comprehension of short passages
Grade 3-5:
Vocabulary development and context clues
Reading comprehension of longer passages
Identifying main ideas, supporting details, and author's purpose
Making inferences and drawing conclusions
Grade 6-8:
Analyzing and interpreting literary and informational texts
Understanding and analyzing literary elements such as plot, setting, and characterization
Analyzing author's craft and rhetorical devices
Evaluating arguments and claims
Grade 9-12:
Analyzing complex texts and identifying themes
Analyzing author's style and use of language
Evaluating sources for credibility and bias
Analyzing and interpreting data and visual representations
Language Usage:
Grade 1-2:
Basic grammar and sentence structure
Capitalization and punctuation
Spelling of high-frequency words
Simple verb tenses
Grade 3-5:
Subject-verb agreement
Pronoun usage
Identifying and correcting fragments and run-on sentences
Spelling and usage of commonly confused words
Grade 6-8:
Advanced grammar and sentence structure
Identifying and using different types of phrases and clauses
Using commas, semicolons, and other punctuation correctly
Writing in different sentence structures
Grade 9-12:
Analyzing and improving sentence structure and style
Using precise language and diction
Identifying and using figurative language
Using grammar to create a specific tone or mood
Mathematics:
Grade 1-2:
Basic addition and subtraction
Understanding of place value and number sense
Identifying and using basic geometric shapes
Simple measurement and data analysis
Grade 3-5:
Multiplication and division of whole numbers and fractions
Understanding of decimals and percents
Understanding and solving word problems
Basic concepts of algebra and geometry
Grade 6-8:
Ratios, proportions, and percentages
Understanding and solving equations and inequalities
Understanding and analyzing data, including graphs and statistics
Basic concepts of geometry and trigonometry
Grade 9-12:
Advanced algebra and functions, including logarithmic and exponential functions
Trigonometry and geometry, including proofs and theorems
Advanced data analysis and statistics
Calculus, including limits, derivatives, and integrals
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