The Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Math test is a computer-adaptive standardized exam given to students grades K through 12 to track their academic growth and progress throughout the year and year to year. The exam is given in the Fall, Winter, and Spring, and is tailored to the common core curriculum.
Because the test is adaptive, each student will receive a unique exam version. As they answer questions correctly, the questions will get more challenging. As they answer questions incorrectly, the questions will get easier. On average, students can expect to answer 52 questions during this test; however, some may get more or fewer questions because of the adaptive nature.
Calculators are not permitted during the exam; however, students of all grade levels will be given pencils and paper to work out any problems they need by hand. If a question does require a calculator, one will pop up on the screen for that question.
The test is untimed, so students will have as long as they need to work through the questions.
Because the MAP Math Test is tailored to the common core standards, the exact sections and difficulty your child will encounter depend on their grade level. For example, students in 2nd grade may be just learning about multiplication and division, whereas students in 6th grade will be doing more advanced algebra.
The following are the sections your child will encounter while taking the test.
Number sense questions will regard applying concepts of identification, comparing, counting, and ordering various types of numbers. For younger students, this may look like learning to count and identify whole numbers, whereas older students may need to order and compare different types of numbers.
Here is an example of a MAP Math grade 3 question.
Question: Which operator would make the following expression true?
4 _ 5
Answer: A
The estimation and computation problems will require students to apply properties of computation to solve real-world problems. These questions will involve various number types as students get older. These will likely be word problems, so tell your child to read the question carefully to ensure they set up the problem correctly before making any calculations.
Algebra and algebraic thinking are common question types on the MAP Math Test at all levels. While the older kids will be doing more advanced algebra problems, the younger children will start learning to think algebraically as young as second grade. They will use the four fundamental operators, recognize patterns, and use numerical expressions to solve problems.
Here is an example of an algebra question for a student in 5th grade:
Question: Solve for y in the following equation?
5y + 13 = 48
Answer: C
Geometry questions are also present at every grade level. These can be as simple as identifying shapes in the younger grades to calculating angles in the older grades. Students will also use graphs to approach problems and must be able to identify, classify, and use 2D and 3D figures to solve problems.
The following is an example of a 6th grade geometry question:
Question: Carson needs to buy a fence for his farm. He needs the fence to surround an area of 48 square meters. Which option should he choose to buy?
Answer: C
In the measurement and data questions, students will need to represent and interpret data and solve problems using various units and forms of measurement, such as length, volume, and angles. The younger children start learning how to read and interpret data at a young age, while the older students typically do the calculation problems and unit conversations.
The following is a question similar to what may be on the 2nd grade MAP Math Test:
Question: How many people voted for blue as their favorite color?
Color | Number of Votes |
Purple | 7 |
Blue | 9 |
Red | 4 |
Green | 2 |
Answer: D
The older children, from late middle school into high school, will also have statistics and probability questions on their MAP Math Test. For these questions, students must read and interpret graphs, analyze data, and determine probabilities to predict possible outcomes.
Lastly, questions will require students to problem-solve and use their reasoning skills, such as geometric reasoning and pattern finding. The older students may also have to do proofs to show they understand the mathematical concept shown.
The MAP Math Test is scored using a standardized scale called the Rasch unIT (RIT) scale. This will provide a single number for your child’s math score that can easily be compared to their previous score and other students. As your child learns more material, their RIT score will increase.
The MAP Math score report will be available immediately after your child finishes the test. The report will be made of two sections. The first section will be a graph. This graph will show the following:
The second section will be a table. This will show:
The below table shows the average MAP Math scores for students:
Grade Level | Fall | Winter | Spring |
Kindergarten | 143 | 150 | 157 |
1st Grade | 160 | 170 | 176 |
2nd Grade | 175 | 184 | 189 |
3rd Grade | 188 | 196 | 201 |
4th Grade | 200 | 206 | 211 |
5th Grade | 209 | 215 | 219 |
6th Grade | 215 | 220 | 223 |
7th Grade | 220 | 224 | 227 |
8th Grade | 225 | 228 | 230 |
9th Grade | 226 | 229 | 230 |
10th Grade | 229 | 231 | 232 |
11th Grade | 232 | 233 | 234 |
12th Grade | 233 | 233 | 234 |
Standardized tests can be stressful. Here are a few tips for your child to get as high of a score as possible:
The best way to prepare for the MAP Math assessment is through online resources such as practice tests. Practice tests will have different math problems of every level for your child to practice with and allow them to try out more challenging problems. They will also provide solutions so your child can better understand how to approach similar problems in the future.
Students who regularly study and adequately prepare for the MAP Test do significantly higher on the exam.