en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:38:15 GMT 15 By Patrick Bangs
When you think of testing, you probably imagine yourself bubbling in answers with a #2 pencil. This year at OLHMS, we're changing things up a bit and are taking it to the computer. So, how do you feel about MAP Testing or Measuring Academic Progress? How does it compare to other types of tests you've taken? We had an interview with Ms. Anderson to get her opinion on the new testing and see how she thought it went. When asked what went well, Ms. Anderson said, "Students have taken them seriously, and we have the results in less than 24 hours." She explained some of the main reasons to use MAP testing over more traditional standardized tests: "Results are more readily available for teachers to utilize for instructional planning, and we can administer the tests more than once a year." Students will be tested again this spring in order to see their growth since the fall results. Overall, Ms. Anderson felt that they had several advantages over other tests: "They're more user friendly and have easier reports to read. Also, they are more guided results, and they show academic growth for each student between Fall and Spring." Students have some mixed emotions on MAP testing varying from good to bad opinions. John Loman, a seventh grader, said that the MAP tests were too long, and they have too many questions. He said that he would rather have other types standardized tests. A.J. Roccafort-Probasco, an eighth grader, had mixed emotions on them. He said that he would prefer to take MAP tests again, while Nicole Reed, a seventh grader, thought they were too long and pointless. Seeing results immediately and reading questions on the computer screen were the two biggest changes. Students will get the chance to understand the purpose better when we are retested in the spring and see how our scores change. So, as you can see, there can be some positives and negatives about MAP Testing. You can see your results instantly and can know how you're doing in a subject. While on the other hand, they felt very long with a time limit of 80 minutes for each testing session. Some opinions may change as the years go on and teachers have the chance to use the scores. ]]> Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:44:00 GMT