From the Principal (October 9, 2020):
Hello, parents and guardians,
As we move through the month of October, I would like to thank our students, parents, and teachers for making our first month of remote learning a positive experience. I continue to be impressed with our students’ and teachers’ abilities as they learn to use different platforms - from submitting assignments in Schoology, to OneNote, to accessing content in Big Ideas and TCI, and everything in between. We remain committed to assisting our students to become and remain successful.
Over the next few weeks, our 7th and 8th graders will be participating in the NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Growth assessments in reading and math as part of the Michigan state benchmark requirements. MAP Growth tests provide immediate and accurate information about your child’s learning so teachers can identify students who are generally ready for instruction in similar skills and topics, and then plan instruction accordingly. MAP Growth results are used to tailor classroom lessons and set goals for students. MAP Growth reports also provide typical growth data for students who are in the same grade testing in the same subject, and who have the same starting performance level.
Since we are in remote learning, your child will be taking these assessments remotely during their instructional time. Teachers will be sharing testing dates and times with families. In addition to this fall testing window, students will also take the NWEA MAP Growth in the winter and spring. Each season of scores will help teachers check and measure student achievement and growth in reading and math. Following each testing period, you will receive a Family Report showing a summary of how your child is performing academically.
Please do not help your child on these assessments! By design, some of the questions given will be beyond their ability and the results will measure their specific skill level. The MAP Growth tests are unique because they adapt to your child’s responses. As your child answers questions correctly, the questions become more challenging. If they answer incorrectly, the questions become easier. These results will provide a more complete picture of what your child knows and is ready to learn - whether it is on, above, or below their grade level.
We are truly excited to focus on your child’s individual growth and achievement. For more information about MAP Growth, visit NWEA.org/familytoolkit.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact me or the counselors.
Sincerely,
Brandon Manzella
Principal