MAP-Alternate Assessment (MAP-A)

The MAP-Alternate Assessment (MAP-A) is administered to students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who meet grade level and eligibility criteria that are determined by the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) team using DESE-established eligibility criteria. No student may be tested outside of his or her assigned grade level. If the MAP-A assessment is given to more than 1% of the total tested population (per content area), the district must provide justification for exceeding the 1% participation rule for Special Education Compliance monitoring purposes.

The MAP-A achievement standards are aligned with Missouri's Learning Standards, and students who take the MAP-A Assessment do not participate in Grade-Level, End-of-Course, or the ACT Assessments. MAP-A uses the Dynamic Learning Map (DLM®) instructionally embedded assessment model.

The MAP-A is administered by educators in three content areas:

• English Language Arts in grades 3-8 and 11

• Mathematics in grades 3-8 and 11

• Science in grades 5, 8, and 11
  
  

MAP-A Eligibility Criteria
All students who meet the Eligibility Criteria for the MAP-A should be given the MAP-A. DESE provides several eligibility criteria resources.

Resource Link 

• Alternate Assessment Checklist 

• Alternate Assessment Flow Chart 

• Alternate Assessment Decision-Making Guidance
  
  

MAP-A Dynamic Learning Maps
The Dynamic Learning Maps® (DLM®) alternate assessment project offers an innovative way for all students with significant cognitive disabilities to demonstrate their learning throughout the school year via the DLM Alternate Assessment System (see http://www.dynamiclearningmaps.org). By integrating assessment with instruction during the year and providing a year-end assessment, the DLM system aligns student learning with college and career readiness standards in English language arts, mathematics, and science.

• English Language Arts

• Mathematics 

• Science 

MAP-A Blueprints
The blueprint indicates the content areas addressed by the test and the number of items included by content area and for the test as a whole. Test blueprints provide educators with specific guidance for individualized instruction and assessment.

• English Language Arts 

• Mathematics 

• Science 

MAP-A Nodes and Mini-Maps
DLM uses nodes that represent Essential Elements-related skills at different levels of cognitive complexity to create assessment that are accessible for a broad range of students.

• English Language Arts 

• Mathematics 

MAP-A DLM Manuals  

• Accessibility - Provides guidance on selection and use of accessibility features for completing the Personal Needs and Profile information.

• Assessment Coordinator Supports District Test Coordinators in preparing district and school staff for testing. 

• Data Steward supports data stewards with upload of user, enrollment, and roster files into Educator Portal.

• Technical Liaison Supports Information Technology staff for test administration. 

• Test Administration Supports Test Examiners in preparing themselves and their students for testing.