1. MAP MADNESS NORTHWEST MIDDLE SCHOOL SPRING 2016

2. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: What is the MAP test? –The MAP test is a test created to determine how well you have learned and can apply grade level requirements for certain classes. Why do I have to take the MAP test? –Every student has to take the test to show what they know. Why is the MAP test important to me? –It shows how much you know in certain content areas. We also use your scores to make placement decisions for the classes we enroll you in such as reading and math classes. What tests will I have to take? –6 th Grade: English and Math –7 th Grade: English and Math –8 th Grade: English, Math, and Science

3. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS CONTINUED… What does the test look like? –Each test has multiple components and sessions. It will take a few days to complete. Some sessions will require listening skills and research skills. What can I do when I finish my test? –You may color or you may sit quietly. Can I use my cell phone calculator on the Math portion of the test? –NO. Cell phones are not permitted in testing areas. If you bring your cell phone into a testing area, your phone will be collected and locked up until the end of the testing session. You are best not to bring your cell phone to school or simply lock it up in your locker. How do we take the test? –We will take the MAP test on Chromebooks.

4. WHY WE TAKE THE MAP TEST… Why do I have to take the MAP test? You get to take the test to show what you know and how far you have grown in the learning process – this is exciting! This is your opportunity. Why is the MAP test important to me? It shows how much you know in certain content areas. We also use your scores to make placement decisions for the classes we enroll you in such as reading and math classes.

5. HOW DID WE DO LAST YEAR? 6 th Grade 7 th Grade 8 th Grade English Language Arts 47.4%53.8%47.3% Math24.8%31.8%41% Sciencen/an/a32.7% Below is the percentage of students who scored Advanced and Proficient on the test.

6. WHAT IS OUR GOAL THIS YEAR? Our goal at Northwest Middle School this year is to increase the percentage of our students scoring Advanced and Proficient by 10% for each category. 6 th Grade 7 th Grade 8 th Grade English Language Arts 57.4%57.4%63.8% Math34.8%34.8%41.8% Sciencen/an/a42.7%

7. YOUR GOAL… YOUR goal should be to do your very best, make yourself proud, and increase your own personal score from last year. You will be setting goals with your teacher tomorrow and Thursday.

8. WHAT CAN I DO? Remember the RACE strategy for all written response items. –Restate –Answer –Cite –Explain Use test taking strategies. –Elimination – eliminate the obviously wrong choice, eliminate those that are correct but don’t answer the question. –Take your time – pace yourself. If others finish before you, it is alright – not everyone works at the same pace. This is not a race. –Read closely and carefully – watch out for those questions that use phrases such as: all of the following except, NEVER, All but, etc. Get a good night’s sleep. You need 8 hours of sleep a night. Eat breakfast. Food will stimulate your brain. Most importantly: know how important this test is and try your best!!!

9. WHAT INCENTIVES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR ME TO EARN DURING TESTING? Daily incentives for following the expectations. Earn chances to win raffle tickets. The more you earn, the more chances you will have to win a prize. Daily grade level incentives for attendance. The grade level with the most students in attendance during the span of MAP testing will be able to participate in a grade level incentive after MAP testing is over.