Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) is a nationally normed, standardized assessment developed by the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA). MAP is a computer-based, adaptive assessment designed to measure each student’s current level of academic achievement relative to national norms and grade-level expectations.

MAP assessments are administered multiple times each year—typically in the fall, winter, and spring—to students beginning in kindergarten. The assessment evaluates student performance in Reading, Mathematics, and, in applicable grade levels, Science. Because MAP is adaptive, the difficulty of each question adjusts in real time based on a student’s responses, providing a personalized testing experience that more accurately identifies instructional levels. As students answer questions correctly, they are presented with more challenging items; when they answer incorrectly, the test adjusts to provide questions at an appropriate level of difficulty.

Student performance on MAP is reported using a RIT (Rasch Unit) score, which is a stable, equal-interval scale that measures growth over time. This allows educators and families to track individual student progress across testing periods, regardless of grade level. In addition to RIT scores, MAP provides percentile rankings and normative data comparisons, helping educators understand how a student’s performance compares to peers nationwide.

MAP results are used by educators to inform instructional planning, set academic goals, and identify areas where students may need additional support or enrichment. The assessment is also a valuable tool for monitoring student growth over time, as it emphasizes progress in learning rather than performance at a single point in time.

While MAP provides important academic data, it is one of multiple measures used to support student learning. Educators use MAP results alongside classroom performance, teacher observations, and other assessments to ensure a comprehensive understanding of each student’s academic needs.