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Grants & Assessments » NWEA Links and Resources

NWEA Links and Resources

A family guide to MAP Growth

Children learn better—and faster—when teachers have a clear picture of what students know and how they are growing academically. That’s why a group of educators and researchers founded NWEA®, a not-for-profit organization that has created trusted and reliable assessment solutions. More than 13 million students in the US and in 140 countries worldwide use MAP® Growth™.

 

How it works

MAP Growth is a computer-adaptive test. If your child answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging. If they answer incorrectly, the next one is easier. This type of assessment challenges top performers without overwhelming students whose skills are below grade level.

 

A line graph showing MAP Growth trends over 20 test terms. Two lines are plotted - one red and one green. Both lines show an overall increasing trend, with some fluctuations. The green line starts lower but ends higher than the red line. A note on the graph reads "MAP Growth begins with a starting point and student's growth projection which can be met or exceeded based on individual performance.

 

What it measures 

MAP Growth uses a RIT scale to accurately measure what students know, regardless of their grade level. It also measures growth over time, allowing you to track your child’s progress throughout the school year and across multiple years. Once your child completes a MAP Growth test, they receive a RIT score. 

 

A graph showing player performance ratings. The x-axis represents player numbers from 1 to 12. The y-axis shows ratings from 150 to 210. A large green circle highlights players 1 through 8, who have ratings between 180 and 210. Players 9 through 12 fall outside the circle with lower ratings. Small silhouettes of athletes in various poses are placed within the green circle.

 

Your child’s RIT score

RIT scores have the same meaning across grade levels. If a fourth-grade student and an eighth-grade student have the same RIT score in reading, then they are testing at the same level in that subject. This stable scale allows teachers to accurately measure each student’s academic growth throughout the school year and over time. You can use your child’s RIT score to help them meet their goals. For example, students can enter their RIT scores into our college explorer tool to see which colleges and universities they’re on track to enter.  You can also ask your child’s school about educational resources that use MAP Growth RIT scores to provide personalized learning resources.