Standardized Growth Testing - Hillcrest School

Assessing Excellence: MAP Growth

Hillcrest is using the NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test for grades 1 through 10. Over 1,000 international schools in more than 145 countries rely on NWEA assessment tools and professional learning strategies. We feel that MAP is an ideal tool to provide data on growth in each student’s learning.

What is NWEA MAP? Over 1,000 international schools in more than 145 countries rely on NWEA assessment tools and professional learning strategies. We feel that MAP can be an ideal tool:

To assess each student’s growth over time in math and language, consistently between grades. We can compare students against US norms (California state standards).

We can screen students early for extra assistance in core areas in K-4, and we can predict readiness for post-secondary education in the higher grades. Growth data can help us track the success of educational (IEP) interventions.

With MAP, we also aim to assess our overall school program quality and compare between cohorts.

Finally, and very importantly, MAP data can support teachers in planning, targeting and improving instruction.

What grade levels do what assessment? Why?

All students - admissions testing gives comparisons against school norms.

Kindergarten - developmentally appropriate from semester 2.

Grade 1–5 - twice yearly, individual support to students, plus early identification.

Grade 6–10 - twice yearly, individual support to students/tailor program to the students.

Grade 8, 10, 11 - PSAT, preparation for SAT.

Grade 11 - SAT, college admission.

Other opportunities for PSAT / SAT at student expense in grades 9 and 12

SAT and PSAT standardized tests constitute an essential part of our students preparation for higher education. PSAT testing begins at 8th grade through to 11th grade. In the Spring of their junior year, all our students take the SAT with options to retake in their senior year if necessary. Students are taught how to effectively use College Board online SAT resources. These comprehensive resources empower our students to analyze and improve upon their practice test and PSAT scores. Practice tests are a prominent part of the 11th grade careers course. Our students perform well in SAT with a large majority of test takers scoring over 1100.