Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy NWEA MAP test and acceleration

This is a follow up to a previous post about our DS who just finished fourth grade. Last week he was independently tested using the NWEA Map test. His results indicated a RIT score of 251. The tester indicated that he is performing way above grade level in math. The problem we have is that his school refuses to accelerate him in math because he did not score above their cutoff IQ. However, online searches seem to imply that an IQ test may be an inappropriate method to judge mathematical ability. We also suspect that perhaps the IQ test was not administered correctly because Arithmetic was not substituted (sub test) for Digit Span or Letter-number Sequencing.
The child loves math and has been independently working his way through an algebra 1 book and has quite an extensive portfolio as well as teachers who are advocating for acceleration. Since we just received the NWEA MAP test results last week, we have not had time to share these with his school. Moreover, we are reluctant to do so because we don�t want to be labeled �pushy parents.� How advanced is an RIT score of 251 for a fourth grader, and why is it so important to have a minimum IQ threshold to allow a child to single subject accelerate? Any advice on how to effectively advocate on behalf of our DS without appearing as parents who cannot accept �no� as an answer. Thanks

Here is a chart that explains more about the NWEA tests and shows what level your DS is at - NWEA chart

If you look at page 69 and if I read the chart correctly - it looks like your DS scores at the 94th percentile for 6th graders, 82nd percentile for 8th graders, and all the way up to a 74th percentile for 11th graders.

Our school doesn't use the MAP tests for any acceleration at all. It is just more data for them to see whether or not a student is making progress. It may be different for other schools.

Other people on here may have more information for you.

Since your DS was tested in July, his score will be compared with Fall 5th graders. There is a chart that is linked in several previous discussions on this forum so you may want to do a quick search. However, I happen to know that 251 is 99 percentile for Fall 5th grade since my DD, who is not accelerated beyond standard GT (1 year up with enrichment), scored similarly last Fall. 99 percentile is obviously very good.

However, I would submit this score only if your school does Not know that your DS has completed Algebra outside school. It is likely that your school will expect a higher score for someone who has completed Algebra or even Pre-algebra. If the school knows that your DS has completed Algebra, they may interpret this score as further support for their current position based on your DS not meeting the IQ cutoff. My conclusion is due to your school appearing to have the same philosophy regarding ability/achievement in acceleration decisions. I am not suggesting that your DS should not be accelerated, only what your school may conclude.