If you have a school-going child, you must have heard of the NWEA MAP test countless times. Well then, this article is just the right place to help you with all MAP related queries.
The MAP test is an adaptive test organized by a non-profit organization known as NWEA. This test is a K-12 assessment, meaning that students from kindergarten to grade 12 can appear for it.
In 2020, almost 4.4 million students between grades 3 to 8 in the USA appeared for it, and some even took it remotely. Ready to know more? Let’s get started!
1. Adaptive exam
One of the biggest advantages of taking the NWEA MAP test is that it will measure your progress according to what you have learned, not what others are learning.
An adaptive test is an exam where, if you answer a question correctly, the next question will be slightly tougher.
On the other hand, if you answer a question incorrectly, the next question will be an easier one. This not only makes a student more exam-friendly but helps educators understand their strengths and weaknesses.
2. Test subjects
There are three sections, namely Reading Skills, Science, and Mathematics. Based on what a student has learned in class, he/she has to answer the question by choosing the right option out of a total of 4 options given. The students need to understand that they won’t get every single question correct, so keep it’s important to teach them to stay calm and composed.
3. MAP test timing
Another great thing about this exam is that it is not-times. So students can easily calm their minds and answer the questions without worrying about running out of time.
However, an average student takes about an hour to complete each test section, while the K-level exams can be easily completed in 30-40 mins per section. However, even though the test is untimed, students still need to be fast and productive while answering the questions.
4. Purpose of the MAP testing
What is the purpose of MAP? Once you find out the reason behind taking the exam, you’ll have more chances of scoring well. The primary purpose of this test is for the teachers to understand how well a student is doing in the core subjects.
Since subjects like Mathematics, Science, and Reading Skills are extremely important, students need a strong foundation in them. Also, it enables teachers to understand personal strengths and weaknesses in all areas because the entire test is adaptive.
5. MAP test dates
The MAP test is conducted thrice a year in most US schools. You can take it either at the beginning of the year (Fall), in the middle of the year (Winter), or right at the end of your school year (Spring).
The Winter session of MAP tests is also conducted according to the timeline set by the school teachers, so make sure you talk to your child’s teachers beforehand.
6. Practice papers
For any exam, students need to practice quite a lot of papers to familiarize themselves with the different sections and question patterns. Luckily for you, innumerable MAP test question banks are available in libraries or online shopping sites.
If you don’t wish to buy a paperback format, you can visit the NWEA website and download their MAP sample question paper pdf.
7. Answering questions
During the exam, students need to remember two very important things- they cannot go back and change the answer to a particular question, and cannot skip any question.
This means that they have to be sure of the answer before proceeding to the next question, and all the questions have to be answered in one go.
Over to you…
While preparing for the MAP test, prepare your child to use the best test-taking skills. If you think you need extra help, you can always turn to many MAP test tutors available online!
