Dear Parents/Guardians:
At GDS, we use the innovative MAP® Growth™ test from NWEA® assessment to assess students’ academic progress. This assessment is administered to students in kindergarten-ninth grade via school Chromebooks. The results will determine students’ instructional levels and measure academic growth throughout the school year (and from year to year) in Reading/Language, Math, and Science.
MAP Growth tests are unique in that they adapt to your child’s level of learning. If your child answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging. If they answer incorrectly, the next one is easier. This results in a detailed picture of what your child knows and is ready to learn—whether it is on, above, or below their grade level.
Since MAP Growth tests provide immediate and accurate information about your child’s learning, it’s easy for teachers to identify students with similar scores that are generally ready for instruction in similar skills and topics, and then plan instruction accordingly.
MAP Growth reports also provide typical growth data for students in the same grade, subject, and have the same starting performance level. Following each testing period, you will receive a report showing your child’s growth, which you can review with your child’s teacher for more insight.
Unless your student is ill, we ask that you make all efforts for your student to be present and on time for each day of MAP testing.
The 2022 end of the year testing dates are as follows:
- Lower School students will test Monday, April 4th, through Thursday, April 7th, according to the following schedule.
Monday, April 4th, from 8:15 am -10:00 am
3rd-5th Science
Tuesday, April 5th, from 8:15 am -10:00 am
K-5th Reading
Wednesday, April 6th, from 8:15 am -10:00 am
K-5th Math
Thursday, April 7th, from 8:15 am -10:00 am
2nd-5th Language
- Upper School students will test on Monday, April 11th, and Tuesday, April 12th, according to the following schedule.
*Please discuss the importance of this test with your student. One of the many benefits of the MAP Growth testing for Upper School students is that it can be used as an indicator to project scores on the ACT and SAT assessments.*
Monday, April 11th, from 8:15 am - 10:55 am
6th-9th Reading and Language
Tuesday, April 12th, from 8:15 am - 10:55 am
6th-9th Math and 6th-8th Science
