Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)
The Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests are computer-based assessments that evaluate students' achievements in mathematics, reading, language usage, and science. Students view each question on the screen and select their answers using a mouse or keyboard. Unlike traditional fixed-form paper and pencil tests, the MAP test adapts to each student's performance, creating a personalized assessment experience. This technology allows the MAP testing system to accommodate and accurately assess students across a wide range of achievement levels.
MAP RIT Scale
After each MAP test, students receive a RIT score. You can think of this score like a student's height; it reflects their academic knowledge, skills, and abilities in the same way inches represent height. The RIT (Rasch Unit) scale is a stable, equal-interval scale, similar to feet and inches. "Equal-interval" means that a change of 10 RIT points indicates the same level of growth, regardless of whether a student is at the top, bottom, or middle of the scale. Additionally, a RIT score holds the same significance across different grade levels and ages. Over time, scores can be compared to measure a student's growth, much like using a ruler to track changes in height.
MAP assessments use the RIT scale to create a grade-independent RIT score, which indicates the level of question difficulty a given student is capable of answering correctly about 50% of the time. RIT scores help educators understand what every child is ready to learn. MAP tests produce scores that make it possible to monitor student growth from year to year.