MAP Test Scores: Understanding MAP Scores – A Guide

Assessments are an essential tool when it comes to monitoring a child’s educational journey. They provide information to educators about how well a child is progressing, where they might be struggling, and whether they are exceeding expectations.

MAP testing is a common way to gain regular insight. Performed three times a year, MAP tests offer teaching staff a way of tracking a student from their earliest days of kindergarten, all the way through to their senior year.

If your child’s school uses MAP testing, it can be helpful to understand more about how these tests are scored and what NWEA MAP scores mean for your child.

In this article, you will learn what MAP Test scores are, the score ranges and levels and how you can support your child in the run-up to test day. You will also get answers to frequently asked questions.

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What Are MAP Testing Scores? 

MAP test scores are calculated using a unique system called RIT scoring.

RIT scoring is designed to measure a student’s academic progress throughout their education, as well as giving a snapshot of their performance during individual assessments.

What makes RIT scoring particularly unique is the way it takes question difficulty into account when creating scores. The computer-adaptive nature of MAP testing means that if a child gets a question wrong, the next one is easier. 

This information impacts the final RIT score achieved, providing information about the level of instruction a child may need and their ability to comprehend different question types.

Another benefit of MAP Testing and RIT scoring is that it’s not specific to a particular grade level. Although children in 7th grade will take different assessments to those in kindergarten, tests are adaptive in a way that means scores (starting with kindergarten MAP test scores) provide a stable and consistent overview of ability throughout school.

The Different Components of MAP Testing Scores

Typically, you will be presented with a print-out which shows a graph as well as a table of data. This may sometimes be referred to as a MAP test scores chart or NWEA score chart. 

This information might look confusing at first, but can be understood relatively easily. 

Some of the data you might find on your child’s MAP test scores chart (or NWEA score chart) will include:

• Progress report – This will be an in-depth look at how well your child has scored in this assessment compared to previous ones.
• Projected growth – This is a graph that shows how well your child has performed in the past and what their expected future scores would be based on previous performance.
• RIT score and RIT growth – RIT scores represent how your child has performed in a particular assessment. The RIT growth shows how much progress your child has made since their last assessment.
• Percentile score – Percentile scores are an averaged result that gives your child a score out of 100 and shows how they have performed in relation to their peers. Average MAP test scores would be at or very close to the 50th percentile.

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MAP Testing Scores – Ranges and Levels

RIT Score Scale 

RIT scores are calculated to show growth and progress. Your child will receive a RIT score for each assessment they complete, with scores being tracked in graph form to show progress over time.

Performance Levels 

Using this information, it is very easy to see where your child is performing in comparison to other children in the same grade. 

A level of “on grade level” indicates that your child is performing consistently alongside other children of the same age and grade. Alternatively, results of “below grade level” and “above grade level” indicate results that are below and above the average, respectively.

Growth Measures 

These indicate the growth and progress your child has made between assessments. Using growth measure information, it’s possible to see whether a child has stayed on track for predicted growth, exceeded expectation, or fallen behind.

Interpreting NWEA MAP Scores

Once your child has taken their assessments, you will be able to interpret the results. NWEA MAP scores will show you a range of information that can be difficult to interpret initially. 

Once you know what the different scores mean, it is much easier to digest the information and utilize it.

Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses

One of the most useful aspects of NWEA MAP testing is that it allows you to look at data from throughout your child’s education. 

Comparing your child’s most recent MAP scores to their previous ones will help you to identify any strengths and weaknesses they may have. The graph that tracks data from previous tests and projects potential growth will be able to show you quickly and easily how well your child has performed.

Using NWEA MAP Scores to Support Learning

One of the most important benefits of MAP testing is the ability to initiate early interventions for those children who might struggle. Testing three times a year means that these pupils can be spotted early, before they fall too far behind. 

Alternatively, those who are exceeding expectations can be more easily identified and recommended for gifted and talented programs.

The scores your child achieves in their MAP tests will also help teachers to set realistic goals for future learning. If a student consistently performs well in English assessments, then staff will know that they are capable of more challenging work. 

Conversely, if an individual’s MAP science test scores or MAP math test scores (sometimes referred to as the NWEA math score chart) are regularly below average, work can be tailored to their needs, focusing on the areas most in need of improvement. 

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What Can Parents Do?

Although teachers will use the results of MAP testing to tailor a child's education to their individual needs, there are things that parents can do at home as well:

• Study schedules – The results of your child’s assessments will help you to see any areas where they might be struggling. Use this information to create study schedules that focus on boosting your child’s confidence in these topics and going over tricky subjects.
  
• Practice tests – There are a number of websites offering practice tests and sample questions. If your child struggles with testing, this can affect their ability to score to the best of their ability during assessments. Taking practice tests will build their confidence and help them to complete MAP tests without anxiety. You can find MAP practice tests on TestPrep–Online.
  
• Communicate with teaching staff – If you’re concerned about your child’s MAP math test scores/NWEA math score chart results, MAP reading test scores or language usage scores, or want to know more about how to help them, speak to your child’s teacher. They will often be able to suggest additional resources and tips that can be implemented at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the highest NWEA score?

The maximum score available is 350, but there is no such thing as a perfect score. Instead, MAP testing is used to track growth and progress.

What is a good NWEA score for 8th Grade?

A percentile score above 50 would mean that your child is performing above average in a subject. This means that MAP reading scores above 223, math scores above 230 in math and language scores above 220 would be considered good scores.

What is a MAP score?

This is a score showing the measure of growth your child has achieved in their MAP tests. Scores will be tracked throughout education to show progress and can be used to highlight areas of difficulty.

What are good MAP test scores? 

Good NWEA scores are typically above the 50th percentile, indicating average or above-average performance compared to peers.

How to read MAP scores? 

MAP scores are read using the RIT scale, which shows a student's academic level. Compare scores to percentile ranks to understand performance relative to peers.

How to check MAP test scores? 

Check MAP Growth test scores through your school's online portal, or request the scores from your child's teacher or school administration.

What is the highest NWEA score? 

The highest NWEA score on the MAP test is approximately 350 RIT, though this is rarely achieved. 

What is the lowest MAP score ever recorded? 

The lowest MAP score typically starts around 100 to 120 RIT, reflecting beginning-level academic skills. 

Prepare for the MAP test with our partner TestPrep-Online!

Final Thoughts

Tests are never nice, but they’re an essential tool for educators wanting to ensure that their students are reaching their potential. Understanding the way that MAP tests are scored can help you to work with your child’s school in supporting your child at home.

Remember, education is a journey and there are sure to be a few speed bumps along the way. If your child doesn’t achieve the scores you were expecting in one test, that doesn’t mean they can’t pick up in the next one. 

Working with your child and their school will mean that your young person is able to perform to the very best of their abilities every time.