Missouri Assessment Program Info!
MAP TEST 2023: 3rd grade will test APRIL 10-13
Dear Families of NG 3rd Graders:
As most of you know, 4th quarter at means warm spring weather and end of the year fun.
Now that you have a student in third grade, fourth quarter also includes MAP testing! The Missouri Assessment Program is an assessment that begins in third grade and that all kids attending public schools take yearly through eighth grade.
In third grade, kids are tested in English Language Arts (ELA), and Math and scored against our Missouri Learning Standards. State testing results serve as a measuring stick when comparing schools and districts to standards – and to each other.
We know the MAP tests will not measure everything our students have learned at NG, but we want them to be prepared to perform their very best. As far as content, we are confident that the kids are ready to test, and test well. The format of this test, however, is different than most assessments we use in Kirkwood and requires practice on our end. The test taking skills we will be teaching and reinforcing are those they will carry with them through their schooling as this is not the last time they will need to take a standardized test!
Please see below for ways you can support your student for their first round of standardized tests.
SCHEDULE FOR 3RD GRADE TESTS: Please note dates and refrain from scheduling during this time.
Our 3rd graders will test the week of April 10-13.
Please note that they will be testing in approximately two hour chunks Monday-Thursday.
It is really important that kids are here all day for all of their testing days and they are not checked out during the testing window for doctors appointments etc.
Kids who miss taking the test with their peers have to take it separately when they return and it is a very artificial environment for them. They want to be with their peers not stuck in an office testing with me!
Ipads
The entire test is done online through a secure testing site so we need to be sure our iPads are in good shape and fully updated. We will also have time for the kids to practice using the online testing tools that they will use during the actual assessment.
Headphones
Overall, headphones have taken a beating and many of the kids are in need of new headphones. We will have some available during the testing window, but it would be best if you could check with your student and see if he or she needs a new pair and send them in early.
Over-the-ear headphones tend to be better for this longer type of use.
Some final thoughts ~
As this is your students’ first year taking the MAP test, we are asking for your help as well in establishing a positive mindset to help them do their very best. I don't believe in setting up artificial environments for the kids ~ we will work to keep their school day schedule the same and remind them that they have taken tests with us before! We will prep them with the unique tools they need to use in the testing app so they feel well prepared.
To be honest, the MAP tests are low stakes assessments for your children. Kids won’t be retained if they are Basic on the test, and they won’t get a 4 if they score at the Advanced level. The tests are incredibly high stakes, however, for our school, our district, and our community. Right or wrong, we are measured by how well our students’ perform on standardized tests. Our scores impact funding, morale, and even property values in our community.
I will be sending updates for you to consider as we get closer to their testing days and ways you can support your 3rd grader through the process.
At any time, please feel free to reach out to myself of of course your classroom teacher!
Thanks for your support as we work to set all of 3rd graders up for success in their MAP testing!
Jennifer Sisul
Principal