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.
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
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.