Although some teachers and students weren’t confident about the tests, the MAP test was more beneficial than harmful to everyone.

The NWEA MAP testing is a self-adjusting test that displays either harder or easier questions based on student performance during the test.

It is similar to the all too familiar Student Reading Inventory (SRI) test that students take to measure their reading levels. Both the SRI and MAP tests are adaptive and non-stress-inducing because it is nearly impossible to prepare for them, nor is failing a possibility.

Senior Brooke Carlson says, “Overall, I thought that the tests can benefit students in the long run and set goals for the years to come.”

MAP testing’s main purpose is to see where students are after one-and-a-half school years of distance learning.

The information gained from the student results will be used by teachers to better help and support their students towards filling learning gaps. There is no downside to teachers offering students help where they need it the most.

Furthermore, one anonymous student in Mr. Silveira’s AP Economics said, “It is a bit helpful to see and realize where I am in a subject.”

Another added, “I think this MAP test was good because it tests your brain”

Opinions like these see MAP testing in a golden light, but it does not represent the majority of student’s viewpoints. Most students see MAP testing as not important and a waste of class time. Especially for AP classes.

The lack of understanding and information given by the school enables this kind of thinking.

If the testing’s purpose was further fleshed out to the students then they would’ve better understood how advantageous it is to them and their learning.

In the end, students were informed beforehand about the tests and encouraged towards proper self-care to ensure they performed to the best of their abilities. There was no pressure on the students from the teachers or staff to reach a certain score.

MAP testing does more good than bad for both students and teachers with its superior grading system and purpose.