Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Identification, Testing & Assessment MAP scores and IQ

"A student score at or above the following scores on a 6+ Mathematics Survey with Goals test suggests student readiness for:
• 230 Introduction to Algebra • 235 Algebra • 245 Geometry "

I disagree with this. MAP testing IS used for placement for both reading and math.

From the cumulative report (2011 norms)...
[quote=NWEA]
" Comparative Data to Inform
Instructional Decisions
The information in this document is provided to help educators make informed decisions about what instructional programs or optional strategies might be used to help kids learn. These data should be used as one of many data points for instructional decisions rather than as the only single placement guide. They are applicable to a variety of instructional programs and instructional decisions. These might include but are not limited to:
• Identifying and qualifying students for various instructional strategies
• Guiding teachers who do not regularly make decisions on instructional program choices for students
• Scheduling and grouping to meet students’ learning needs • Screening for special or alternative instruction • Staffing and resourcing
For each chart:
• The grade designations represent beginning-of-year grade levels.
• The RIT scores defining each level are separated by 1/2 standard deviation except for the highest level which is set at the 95th percentile.
• At all levels, consider differentiated instruction, flexible grouping, or tiered instruction.
• As scores ascend, give more consideration to curriculum-compacting, accelerated instructional pacing, and special programs.
• As scores descend, give more consideration to additional instructional time, one-on-one tutoring, use of short cycle assessments, and special programs.
The instructional suggestions in this document are intended to provide initial ideas, not to be an exhaustive list of options. "

"A student score at or above the following scores on a 6+ Mathematics Survey with Goals test suggests student readiness for:
• 230 Introduction to Algebra • 235 Algebra • 245 Geometry "

You can't use the grade equivalents for placement, but you certainly can ask that your child be placed with children with similar RIT scores, and you can use the RIT scores directly to find what level the child is performing at, by using RIT curiculum ladders like the one here. .

And that is what I think they do at DS's school. They do a lot of ability grouping and it seems to be fairly automatic. I sent math homework back last year marked "He knows this already" with a few completed problems to demonstrate that he did know the material. Almost immediately he was tested and moved into a higher ability grouping. Or something. All I know is that the next week he came home bragging that he was in 4th grade math and he had appropriate level homework.