MAP Testing

Lighthouse MAP Testing: why and what now? 

Lighthouse piloted NWEA’s MAP Growth assessment in 2024 and fully implemented testing in years 1-9 in 2025. MAP Growth stands for Measures of Academic Progress, and is provided to schools worldwide by the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA). The purpose of NWEA’s assessment is to precisely and accurately measure a student’s achievement and growth over time. We are taking MAP Growth assessments in reading and maths.

MAP Growth assessments differ from many once-a-year standardised tests in which every student answers the same questions. MAP Growth assessments are computer-adaptive, meaning the questions adjust based on whether a student answers correctly, allowing the assessment to more precisely measure what students know and can do. No two students receive the exact same test. Additionally, MAP Growth assessments are taken twice each year, enabling us to track students’ growth and adjust instruction accordingly.

Lighthouse will benefit from the data collected in the MAP Growth assessment in four key ways:

1. First, we will have more objective evidence of each student’s achievement and progress. 

2. Second, we will gain better insight into learning gaps that hinder student progress. 

3. Third, we will have a means to assess the sufficiency of our system in meeting the needs of our students. 

4. Finally, we will have comparative data with other schools around the world, offering perspective on our system. All four aspects will help us make informed decisions at the individual student, class, and whole-school levels.

Later this year, parents can look forward to receiving their child’s MAP report, so you can see the progress your child is making.