MAP Assessment and Evaluation 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which statement best describes a norm-referenced score?
- It compares a student's performance to that of a reference group (Correct answer)
- It shows mastery of specific state standards
- It is always reported as Below Basic through Advanced
- It can only come from classroom tests
Correct answer: It compares a student's performance to that of a reference group
Norm-referenced scores, such as percentile ranks, rank a student against a peer group.
Question 2: A student scores in the 70th percentile. What does this mean?
- The student answered 70% of the items correctly
- The student scored as well as or better than about 70% of the norm group (Correct answer)
- The student reached the Proficient level
- The student's score improved 70% from last year
Correct answer: The student scored as well as or better than about 70% of the norm group
A percentile rank shows the share of the comparison group scoring at or below the student.
Question 3: A district compares this year's grade 6 MAP scores with last year's grade 6 scores, which came from different students. What is this comparison called?
- Cohort growth analysis
- Value-added modeling
- Cross-sectional comparison (Correct answer)
- Individual growth tracking
Correct answer: Cross-sectional comparison
Comparing different groups of students in the same grade across years is a cross-sectional comparison.
Question 4: Why might two students with different scale scores both be reported as 'Proficient' on MAP?
- Scale scores are assigned at random
- Proficient covers a range of scale scores between cut scores (Correct answer)
- Only raw scores determine achievement levels
- Teachers adjust achievement levels after testing
Correct answer: Proficient covers a range of scale scores between cut scores
Each achievement level covers a band of scale scores defined by cut scores.
Question 5: Which practice best protects the security and validity of a MAP test administration?
- Reviewing actual test items with students before testing
- Letting students keep their scratch paper after testing
- Reading items aloud to all students regardless of IEP
- Following the DESE Test Administration Manual and securing materials (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Following the DESE Test Administration Manual and securing materials
Following the official manual and securing materials keeps administrations standardized and secure.
Question 6: How are most MAP Grade-Level and EOC assessments currently delivered?
- Online, computer-based testing (Correct answer)
- Oral interviews only
- Take-home paper packets
- Teacher-written classroom exams
Correct answer: Online, computer-based testing
Missouri gives most MAP assessments online, with paper forms available as an accommodation when needed.
Question 7: A teacher gives a pre-test before a unit to find out what students already know. What is this assessment's main purpose?
- Summative grading
- State accountability reporting
- Diagnostic assessment (Correct answer)
- Program evaluation
Correct answer: Diagnostic assessment
Diagnostic assessment identifies students' existing knowledge and gaps before instruction begins.
MAP Assessment and Evaluation 4
Which statement best describes a norm-referenced score?