Educators use Measures of Academic Progress (also known as MAP) assessments to determine each student's performance baseline and can use this computer adaptive test throughout the year, or over a number of years to track a student's academic growth in grades K-12. Parents who are concerned about their student's education level and how they might perform on these tests may want to engage a tutor for MAP prep courses with the help of Varsity Tutors.
These K-12 interim assessments give educators opportunities to tailor their curriculum in specific areas where they see their students struggling. MAP gives teachers tools to create teaching plans and differentiate instruction when they need to. There are three MAP interim assessments: Growth, Reading Fluency (for pupils in K-3), and Skills. The Growth interim assessments may be given three times in a year's time, while Skills can be given as many times as an educator feels they are necessary.
There are MAP exams for mathematics, reading, and language usage. Enrolling your student in MAP classes with a tutor can help to solidify concepts in all of these areas. MAP prep classes can be customized to focus on specific concepts that your student seems to be struggling with. As a tutor gets to know your student, they will be able to develop a plan for reviewing and studying that targets your student's weaknesses and helps to maintain their strengths.
Although the scoring range is between 140 and 300, MAP scoring is not like other tests that students take throughout the academic year - the results are meant to tell educators where students are academically. The computer adaptive test format means that no students take the same test, because the computer delivers questions that are different, based on what the test taker's most recent response to a question was. The table below explains MAP scoring in more detail.
Explaining MAP Scoring
| Score Indications | It is not evaluative but tells us where a child is at a given point in time. |
| Test Uniqueness | The test is uniquely created for each student based on how he or she responds to a question. |
| Question Origin | All questions come from a huge bank of questions each corresponding in difficulty to a particular score. |
| Top Scores | Although it is possible to score as high as 265 or more on the reading test and 285 or more on the math test, 240 (reading) and 250 (math) are typical top scores. |
| Average Scores | Scores range from about 140 to 300. |
Depending on a pupil's academic year, they may or may not see specific subjects on their MAP exams. Tutors can design a MAP course for your student's specific capabilities and what they're expected to know. They get to know a student's personality and the ways that the specific student learns best, and what techniques might not work for them. This means that they can create study aids and use techniques that your student has shown will work for them, and that are appropriate for a pupil's age and grade level. This may mean vocabulary quizzes, practice exams, visual aids, or other methods.
The table below outlines the specific academic areas and grade levels, as well as the number of questions a student may answer. A MAP course often includes instruction on these topics, as well as study tips.
MAP Tests Breakdowns
| Subject (Grade Level) | Approx. Number of Questions |
| Language (2-12) | 50 to 53 |
| Math (2-5), Math (6+) | 50 to 53 |
| Algebra, Geometry, Integrated Math (9+) | 40 to 43 |
| Spanish Math (2-5), Spanish Math (6+) | 52 to 55 |
| Reading (2-5), Reading (6+) | 40 to 43 |
| Science (or "General Science") | 45 |
| Science for use with Next Generation Science Standards | 45 |
A MAP class with a private tutor can help your student to concentrate their efforts on areas that they don't quite grasp as well as you might like. A MAP prep class can happen anywhere, thanks to Varsity Tutors' Live Learning Platform. This platform uses the internet to connect a student and their tutor, which provides even more flexibility. This can be important when a student has a particularly crazy schedule and multiple obligations that change over time.
Reach out to Varsity Tutors to schedule a consultation and get matched up with a tutor for a MAP prep course today. We look forward to helping your student to strive for their academic goals.
Zachary: Swansea MAP course instructor
...develop their skills over time. Outside of school, I enjoy playing trombone and singing (I do enjoy using songs to help memorize math formulas), speedcubing (solving Rubik's Cubes really fast), and hanging out with my friends. If you attend ISU, we can meet in person for a tutoring session, otherwise I would prefer to have...
Education & Certification
- Illinois State University - Current Undergrad, Mathematics - Actuarial Science
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- PSAT
- ACT
- AP Calculus AB
- +19 subjects
MaryBeth: Swansea MAP course instructor
...on math and reading. I've also taught preschool and tested preschool children. I've taught English to refugees from several nations, mostly adults, although children were sometimes in the classes. I love working with students. I love to help them learn and I enjoy getting to know them. My hobbies are reading, cross-stitching, knitting, and taking...
Education & Certification
- James Madison University - Bachelors, Health Sciences
- Mary Baldwin College - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- ISAT
- ACT
- ISEE
- +157 subjects
Nicholas: Swansea MAP course instructor
...a passion for helping others and I now have had hundreds of hours of tutoring experience in a wide range of subjects including chess, computer programming, math, and SAT prep. In addition to the subjects previously listed, I would also tutor Spanish and chemistry as they are subjects I am comfortable with. Outside of academics,...
Education & Certification
- University of Virginia-Main Campus - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- High School Computer Science
- +65 subjects
Christopher: Swansea MAP course instructor
...study of governments both domestic and foreign - largely because of an ability to see the common themes and historical threads which wove said topics together, and highlighting the ways in which forces of the past continue to influence the events of the present. In my learning, and now in my teaching, I promote a...
Education & Certification
- Truman State University - Bachelors, Political Science and Government
- Truman State University - Current Grad Student, Secondary Education: Social Studies
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- PSAT
- Advanced Placement
- SAT Subject Tests
- +45 subjects
Lynn: Swansea MAP course instructor
...encourages pushing him/her to achieve what they previously thought they couldn't, while still staying within the student's comfort zone. Learning shouldn't ever become too frustrating! Aside from tutoring, I have been a referee at the YMCA. I enjoy playing and watching basketball and soccer. My other hobbies include table tennis, video games, music, movies, piano,...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Investigative Medical Sciences
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- +77 subjects
Kathleen: Swansea MAP course instructor
...name is Kate and I currently teach high school mathematics in Providence. I graduated from Cornell University in 2010 with a BA in Psychology. I dove into teaching right after college and taught 6th grade math. After a few years of teaching, I served as an Urban Education Fellow at Brown University. I love teaching...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelors, Psychology
- Brown University - Masters, Urban Education Policy
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- SAT
- REGENTS
- ACT
- +32 subjects
Veronica: Swansea MAP course instructor
...History from The University of Chicago and a M.S. in Education from Northwestern University. I am also a former teacher. I taught 5th grade Language Arts and Social Studies at a CPS school. I am certified in elementary education and have a middle school endorsement in Social Studies. I love teaching, learning, and helping students...
Education & Certification
- The University of Chicago - Bachelors, History
- Northwestern University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- ACT
- Advanced Placement
- PARCC
- +52 subjects
Elizabeth: Swansea MAP course instructor
...make sure we have covered all that's needed to make my students a success! I have spent years working with national organizations for gifted students and also with students with learning disabilities. This gives me a special perspective on ALL learners and helps me tailor the best course of study for all of my students....
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Unknown, Music/English
- Long Island University - Unknown, Library Science
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- ASPIRE
- SSAT
- SAT
- +71 subjects
Hayley: Swansea MAP course instructor
...students, all the while learning so much about life from my students themselves. Besides tutoring, I make my living writing content professionally for several ed tech companies. Outside of work, I love to hike and play with my dog. I am a huge traveler and am very thankful to have a career that allows me to...
Education & Certification
- Barnard College - Bachelors, Anthropology
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- SAT
- +66 subjects
Meaghan: Swansea MAP course instructor
I believe that all students are capable of success, and success happens when a teacher and a student do everything necessary to meet in the middle. I believe that the formula for success includes a lot of encouragement, student AND teacher accountability, and a healthy dose of constructive criticism. ... I believe that all students are capable of achieving success, especially if they are in a warm, encouraging, and rigorous environment.
Education & Certification
- Marquette University - Bachelors, Secondary Education
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- ACT
- ASPIRE
- ASPIRE English
- +32 subjects
Meagan: Swansea MAP course instructor
...passion for Biology, Chemistry, and test preparation. As a tutor, I strive to challenge students beyond fundamentals, while focusing on and accommodating individual needs and individual learning styles. As an sewing and crafting enthusiast, I understand that with practice, tenacity, and perseverance comes success, a lesson I apply to my life and to my tutoring.
Education & Certification
- Chamberlain University - Bachelor of Science, Nursing (RN)
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- HSPT
- ASPIRE
- Advanced Placement
- +81 subjects
Christina: Swansea MAP course instructor
...environment where students feel valued and motivated to excel. Furthermore, tutoring empowers students to take ownership of their learning. By setting personalized goals, monitoring progress, and celebrating achievements, students develop a sense of responsibility and pride in their academic growth. This empowerment is often the key to unlocking their full potential and fostering a lifelong...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Masters in Education, Educational Administration
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- Middle School Math
- Phonics
- UK Key Stage 2 Maths
- +33 subjects
Pratik: Swansea MAP course instructor
Hello! I'm a premedical student at Cornell University with extensive experience tutoring students, especially in chemistry at the high school and undergraduate level, writing at the high school and undergraduate level, and SAT/ACT prep.
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- SAT
- +88 subjects
Sierra: Swansea MAP course instructor
...and believe that tutoring is most effective when I am focused on my client's individual needs and adapting my techniques (or even creating new ones) so that you get the most out of our one-on-one sessions! I specialize in ACT prep, but I enjoy working with students in other subjects as well, especially the sciences...
Education & Certification
- Maryville University of Saint Louis - Unknown, Occupational Therapy
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- PSAT
- ASPIRE
- Advanced Placement
- +67 subjects
Jamaal: Swansea MAP course instructor
...is Dr. Jamaal Thomas! I am looking forward to being a positive change for you as you work towards becoming the best! I specialize in Psychology, Literacy, and Elementary Math. I am currently a Literacy and Executive Function coach for Wisdom Wins, LLC. I also conduct educational research, focusing on academic motivation, literacy strategies, and...
Education & Certification
- Duquesne University - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology
- Walden University - Doctor of Philosophy, Social Psychology
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- SAT
- PARCC
- Math
- +28 subjects
Lindsey: Swansea MAP course instructor
...become a Biology Teacher in California. I loved having my own classroom and seeing my "kids" everyday, inspiring a joy for learning within them while discovering new and creative ways to teach complex subjects. When I moved to Chicago several years later, I decided to pursue tutoring full-time. Because of my professional and personal experiences,...
Education & Certification
- California State University-Fresno - Bachelor of Science, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- National University - Certificate, High School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- OLSAT
- SAT
- STAAR EOC
- +121 subjects
Dezarae: Swansea MAP course instructor
...My bachelors degree is in Elementary Education with an endorsement as English as Second Language and my masters degree is in Curriculum and Instruction with emphasis in Reading and Language Arts with a reading specialist certification. I recently just received my post-doctorate degree at Grand Canyon University as well as building leadership license at Newman...
Education & Certification
- Kansas State University - Bachelors, Elementary Education
- Grand Canyon University - PHD, Educational Leadership
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- ACT
- TOEFL
- ASPIRE
- +23 subjects
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, English
- Webster University - Master of Arts, Educational Psychology
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- PSAT
- SSAT
- WISC IV
- +28 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Arizona - Bachelor of Education, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- AIMS
- CogAT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +65 subjects
Grace: Swansea MAP course instructor
...it was when I was dragged to a very low point of living that I grew a resolve: it was impossible for anyone to be limited by what they had been and thought themselves to be. Why couldn't I become someone who loved sports and math? Am I really who I tell myself to be?...
Education & Certification
- George Washington University - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- UK Key Stage 1 SATs
- SAT
- PSAT
- +155 subjects