MAP Testing Update - fall 2020

 

SCHEDULE

 Houlton MAP Testing Schedule - fall 2020

PRACTICE/PREPARE

Here are some resources if you would like to do a little model/practice/intro of the MAP test with your students. 

Warm up videos

• Grades K–2: 

• Grades 2+

Practice Tests

1. Start students from either location:

• Practice Test Website: practice.mapnwea.org
  – or –

• NWEA secure browser App: Click Try the Practice Test from the log-in page.

2. Complete the generic log-in:

• Username = grow

• Password = grow

3. Select the options for grade, subject, language, and test.

MAP Testing Updates - from Amanda

There are a couple of assessment updates for you to be aware of:

• The testing window has shifted to 9/28-10/16.  With this shift, there is no expectation that MAP data will be shared at conferences.

• Any accommodations to the testing environment should mirror the same process used to determine accommodations for Forward.  For example, if a student is assessed on a math test in a small group consistently, then we should consider assessing that student in a small group on MAP as well.  We should not be giving students accommodations simply because they fit a specific group (ie: they’re in intervention)  This process helps to ensure valid and reliable data.

• When you are completing your MAP schedule, be sure to schedule your building techs as well.  It is helpful when they are on-site during testing and can troubleshoot issues that may arise.

• NWEA has released new 2020 norms.  This shift will require us to look carefully at past data as the 2015 normed data is not comparable with the 2020 normed data.  There is more information about the shifts in this document and in the tables below.    

• Please reach out to Amanda with any questions.  

IDL LEARNERS - from Amanda

Here are the parent directions and additional directions for you.   You will want to send out the parent directions a day before so they have a chance to check their device.  This information is intended to be supplementary to the information already sent to you via your Media Specialist.  If you do not want to test your IDL students remotely or you have no IDL students, please disregard.

• Your IDL students will be MAP testing this fall.  If families filled out the survey and chose an on-site or opt-out option, I have communicated that to those teachers.  If you have heard nothing from me, assuming they'll be testing.

• We're giving you an option for testing - IDL students can test from home on the same schedule as the rest of your class which will allow the schedule to remain "normal" (Funny, right?) or I will create a separate testing session for your IDL students to test at a different time. (This will likely mean they'll miss out on something else)

• The process for IDLs to access the test is basically the same - you will set up the test session, as you have in years past, share that with families (session name and password) and the student will go to the website, enter the session name and password.  Proctoring directions would be given while the Meet is live (just like any other IDL day), the student logs out of the Meet and tests from home.  Teaching and Learning is setting up a hotline for IDL parents to access if things go south during testing (you will not have to problem-solve for them).

• I have not shared specifics with parents - the teacher will need to share the testing information with them.

• If I am testing students, the teacher will communicate to parents and set up an assignment in Google Classroom, with the necessary links to connect me.

• If you would like me to proctor testing for your IDL students, please complete the Google Form and I will follow up with you in the next week.

• K-1 Parent Directions

• 2-5 Parent Directions

• Teacher Step-by-Step

Please let Amanda  know how you would like her  to proceed with the IDLs in your class. She is  happy to support you in any way that will make this go smoothly for you.

Positive Culture

 

Culture is a system of shared assumptions, values and beliefs that govern how people behave within an organization. Culture is difficult to change as it’s embedded in the behavior of individuals and can best be described as the personality of your organization. Climate, on the other hand, is how employees within your organization experience that Culture - think of Climate as the mood of your organization.

A study published in the Review of Educational Research suggested school climate should be a top priority for both educators, leaders, and communities. According to a report published in Teachers College Record, research indicates that positive school climate is associated with, and can be predictive of, academic achievement, effective violence prevention, students’ healthy development, and teacher retention. The quality and character of school life as it relates to norms and values, interpersonal relations and social interactions, and organizational processes and structures establishes a tone for all teaching and learning that is done in the school.

I want to share with you that I have had several people outside of our building comment on the climate at Houlton, and how even in this extremely challenging start to the year, our staff has remained positive, hard working, and focused on doing the job. This speaks so highly of our Houlton staff, and their dedication to our Houlton students. I think it is something I have come to take for granted, and I wanted to let you know that I am extremely appreciative of everything you do, even more so this fall. I am always impressed with how people in our building just step up and do what needs to be done. I am so proud of what the Houlton staff has always done, and continues to do every day!

Be a Rainbow in Someone Else's Cloud

Houlton Staff;

The past two weeks have been challenging, and have tested our patience, flexibility, and commitment to what we do.  I know these days have been hard. 

Kristen shared this video with me, and I thought it would be a great way to start the week.  It's short (1:53) and speaks to the importance of having rainbows in our sometimes cloudy days.

As always, thank you for all that you do under normal circumstances, but especially this year.  Look for the rainbows in your day, and try to be the shining rainbow in the days of others.

Sue

Dr. Maya Angelou, from Oprah's Master Class

Grace

 

Houlton Staff;

Thank you for your hard work and dedication this past week.  It was a long week, but with the help of everyone, it was amazing.  Your ears were probably burning this weekend as I was bragging about our staff - how everyone stepped up and just did what needed to be done. The week was a mix of exhaustion, relief, excitement, problem solving, and trust in the support of each other. And, a lot of grace!  As we work together, we learn the ebb and flow of our building, and of each other.  Continue to take care of those around you, as well as yourself.  We will make this a great year!

Here are some helpful resources that were shared throughout the week to support your work:

• IT Updates and Tips
• Staff Virtual Self Care Corner (Class Link under Staff Resources and Mental Health Resources.)
• Hudson School District Mental Health Resources (Class Link under Staff Resources and Mental Health Resources.)
• Welcome Back Tech Checklist for Teachers
• HSD Tech Support for families

Please let me know how I can support you.  Here's to another great week!

Sue