by Colin Horan ‘21

The MAP, or Measure of Academic Progress, is an assessment that is designed to measure a student’s growth over the course of an academic year. The test is divided into two sections, math and reading, and the tests are normally administered during the spring and fall. The intention of MAP is to provide crucial insight into whether a student is progressing at the expected pace, and if they need any special assistance in underperforming areas. MCPS has been directed by the state to have students take the MAP tests during the 2020-21 school year, but doing so has some very negative downsides.

The largest issue with this year’s MAP testing is the loss of crucial teaching time. Due to the school year’s schedule reconfiguration, the average class’ teaching time has been cut in half and has less than 18 classes per marking period. So by removing a period of math and English, and shortening all other classes, students and teachers are robbed of much-needed class time. Additionally, not all students have been taking MAP during high school. For example, seniors haven’t taken the MAP tests since 8th grade, and you don’t need a test to tell you that a student’s reading comprehension and math solving skills are going to improve between 8th and 12th grade. For a test that is supposed to show development, this fall’s MAP testing will only slow students down.