The Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) is a cornerstone of the educational framework in Missouri, providing critical insights into student performance and the effectiveness of educational programs. Designed to measure students' progress toward mastering the Show-Me Standards, MAP assessments offer valuable information for administrators, district testing coordinators (DTCs), teachers, and parents.
Why MAP Assessments Matter
MAP assessments serve several important purposes:
- Measuring and reflecting student mastery toward post-secondary readiness
- Identifying students' strengths and weaknesses
- Communicating expectations for all students
- Serving as the basis for state and national accountability plans
- Evaluating educational programs
- Providing professional development for teachers
Grade-Level Assessments
The Grade-Level Assessments are yearly tests that measure specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Missouri. The data gathered helps monitor the progress of students in meeting the Missouri Learning Standards (MLS), inform the public and state legislature about student performance, and assist in making informed decisions about educational issues.
About the Assessment
MAP Grade-Level Assessments are administered via a secure online browser, DRC INSIGHT, unless a Large Print, Braille, or Paper-Based edition is required by an IEP/504 plan. The assessments cover three main subjects:
- English Language Arts (ELA): Consists of three or four sessions, including passage-based items and writing prompts in grades 4 and 8.
- Mathematics: Consists of three sessions, including selected-response items, technology-enhanced items, and a performance event.
- Science: Consists of two sessions with constructed-response items, multiple-choice items, and technology-enhanced items.
Participation
All students in grades 3-8 in Missouri public and charter schools take the Grade-Level Assessment. However, certain groups of students may be exempt from specific portions or all of the assessment:
- Students whose IEP teams have determined that the MAP-A is the appropriate assessment
- English Learners (ELs) who have been in the United States for 12 cumulative months or fewer
- Foreign exchange students (district decision)
- Homeschooled students (district discretion)
- Private school students are not required to take the assessment
End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments
The EOC assessments are standards-based tests that measure specific skills for each content area. They are available in the secure online browser, NWEA Nextera (Fall) and DRC INSIGHT (Spring), unless a Large Print, Braille, or Paper-Based edition is required by an IEP/504 plan.
About the Assessment
The EOC assessments cover various subjects:
- English Language Arts: Two sessions, including selected-response items, technology-enhanced items, listening passages, and a passage-based writing prompt.
- Mathematics: Two sessions, including selected-response, constructed-response, technology-enhanced items, and a performance event.
- Science and Social Studies: Single session with selected-response, constructed-response, and technology-enhanced items.
- Personal Finance: Single session of multiple-choice items.
Participation
Students in Missouri, including those in the Missouri Option Program, are required to take four EOC assessments before graduating high school: Algebra I, Biology, English II, and Government. Optional assessments are available for local accountability in subjects like Algebra II, American History, and Personal Finance.
Exemptions include:
- Students whose IEP teams have determined that the MAP-A is the appropriate assessment
- English Learners (ELs) who have been in the United States for 12 cumulative months or fewer
- Foreign exchange students (district decision)
- Homeschooled students (district discretion)
- Private school students are not required to take the assessment
Resources and Training
DRC offers several resources to help Local Education Agencies (LEAs) prepare students for state testing:
- Online Tools Training (OTTs): Allows users to experiment with tools available in the INSIGHT testing platform.
- Test Tutorials: Recorded videos demonstrating the features of INSIGHT and the tools used for assessments.
- Practice Forms: Available in the INSIGHT platform and for download, mirroring the operational assessment.
- Training: Test examiners must watch training videos, familiarize themselves with the testing manual, and participate in district-created training.
For more information, please follow this link.
