Understanding MAP Growth at ICS
By Andrew Hobbs, Elementary Principal
At Intermountain Christian School, our mission is to be a Christ-centered learning community that exists to equip and inspire students to thrive in God’s world. One way we support that mission academically is through NWEA MAP Growth testing, which students in 1st–5th grade take twice each year.
What is MAP Growth?
MAP Growth is a computer-adaptive assessment. That means the difficulty of the questions adjusts based on how each student responds. When a student answers correctly, the next question becomes a little more challenging; when a student misses a question, the next one becomes a little easier.
This approach gives teachers a clearer picture of what each student already knows, where they may need additional support, and how much they grow over time. It also helps prevent the assessment from becoming unnecessarily frustrating or too easy for individual students.
When Will Students Test?
Our fall MAP Growth testing window is September 28–October 16. Rather than requiring students to complete all of their assessments in one day, this extended window allows teachers to thoughtfully schedule testing for their classes.
We use the fall results to identify students’ strengths and areas for growth. When students test again in the spring, we can see how much progress they have made throughout the school year.
New This Year: Science
This year, we are adding science MAP Growth assessments for students in 2nd–5th grade. This will provide valuable information about student learning as we implement our new Purposeful Design Science Curriculum. We’re grateful for the thoughtful input families provided during last year’s curriculum review as we continue strengthening science instruction at ICS.
How Can Families Help?
Your child’s teacher will communicate the specific days their class will take each assessment. Families can help students do their best by making sure they:
Get a good night’s rest
Eat breakfast
Arrive at school on time
MAP Growth is one of the tools we use to better understand and support each student. When families and teachers work together to equip and inspire students, we help them thrive.
