Last Monday was the start of the NWEA MAP testing, but a lot of teachers experienced technical difficulties.

The MAP testing was an all-week event that took place during a special 96-minute period. Students were tested in reading, language, math, and science using the NWEA software, which wasn’t always easy to use or accessible.

Even Ms. Murphy was frustrated with it because she experienced WiFi issues while she was in the auditorium assisting students who couldn’t finish the test during the scheduled 96 minute period.

In addition to tech concerns, some students did not take the test seriously because they did not know why they were taking it, or what it counted towards. Freshman Joceline Lopez said, “I didn’t know until after the test that the score we got on the test would determine if I would stay in Honors English or if I would have regular English.”

Students weren’t given much information on the topic. Meanwhile, teachers were given too much information.

Although some students were taught how to access the test beforehand, there were still quite a bit of issues involving getting into the test. While some teachers like Launa Kennedy guided her students through the practice test, not all teachers did the same.

ROP Graphics Communication teacher, Tom Wurz was given an abundance of information but struggled to pick it apart and find what was most necessary to focus on with students.

Another struggle Mr. Wurz had mentioned that MAP testing took away the time teachers need to teach their students.

Advanced Placement economics and government teacher Stephan Silveira agreed. “The only issue is the amount of time it takes away from the educational minutes of each class. For example, for me with my AP students, it makes my week more difficult because I need all the time I can get. I only have one semester to teach my students a college-level course. So I need that time, considering all the other things that take away from instruction in the school year.”

An extension on the amount of time for students to complete the test would have also been helpful.

Next time, the school should take more time to explain what the test is to the students, rather than just teaching them how to access the test.