Mr. Hausman's Class

"When one door closes another opens." -Alexander Graham Bell

MAP Tests Unveiled

For the first time since 1999, Bellingham students will take a standardized mathematics assessment beside the WASL. The Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests were developed by the Northwest Evaluation Association, a non-profit organization based in Portland, Oregon. Because MAP tests are "adaptive" and computer based, they adjust to the ability level of each student. Moreover, unlike the WASL, results are available within 24-48 hours. MAP tests are designed to identify each student's instructional level and help teachers to evaluate progress from fall to spring. While we will not be able to compare growth from the fall of this year, next year students will complete the MAP assessments three times during the school year. This should allow teachers to better identify the needs of all learners and report information to parents in a timely manner. For more information on MAP assessments, click on the following link:

Measures of Academic Progress

 

Students will also take the Degrees of Reading Power (DRP) in May. The DRP is a reading comprehension test that was administered in September. DRP scores help provide a measure of reading proficiency and scores will be reported at the end of the year. Because the spring test is more difficult than the fall assessment, students do not have to increase their score to demonstrate progess. More importantly, students scores should fall within the standard range established for each grade level. The standard range for third grade will be marked along with your child's score on the end of the year report card.

 

Instructional Links

Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction

Fun Brain Online Games for Kids

Math Activities for Parents and Kids

Exploratorium Science Museum

Washington State History Museum

Partnership For Learning