Dear Parent:

 

In order to use the most current and exemplary tools for assessment, El Alsson American International School is changing the external standardized assessment we use from ‘Stanford 10’ to ‘MAP’ (Measures of Academic Progress) tests. MAP tests determine each child’s instructional level and measure academic growth throughout the school year and from year to year, in the areas of Language Usage, Reading and Math.

 

Your child will take the MAP tests this April and, in future years, your child will take MAP tests in both October and April. Following each testing period, you will receive a report showing your child’s growth through the course of the year and from year to year.

 

MAP tests are unique, in that they are computer-based and questions adapt to be appropriate for your child’s level of learning. As a result, each student has the same opportunity to succeed and maintain a positive attitude toward testing. With MAP tests, we can administer shorter tests and use less class time while still receiving detailed, accurate information about your child’s growth.

 

Your child will take the MAP tests during the weeks of April 7-24. Your child does not need to do anything specific to prepare for the MAP tests. Your child will be informed of the specific dates and times of his/her MAP tests by the Classroom Teacher in the Elementary School and by the Homeroom Advisor in the Middle and High School.

 

If you would like additional information on MAP testing, please visit the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) website or follow this link http://www.nwea.org/support/article/930 to download the Parent Toolkit which gives information about the tests, how they will be administered and how we as a school will use the information to further the growth of your child.

 

We are truly excited to begin a new era that better focuses on every child’s individual growth and achievement. Partnering to help all children learn, parents and teachers can have an even more profound positive effect on their lives.

 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact: Nicola Smith (Principal Elementary School); Allison Fleet (Vice-Principal Middle/High School); or Annette Newsome (Vice-Principal Elementary School)

 

Sincerely,

 

El Alsson American International School Management Team