The adaptive nature of MAP® GrowthTM and MAP Growth K–2 assessments makes them appropriate for students with a wide range of skills and needs. This includes special needs homeschool testing.
To best measure growth, we recommend being consistent in the accommodations you offer and how you provide them.
For students who use accommodations, follow the guidelines below to set them up for success.
Standard IEP Accommodations
Help With Understanding the Question
Allowed ☺︎
Simplifying or clarifying directions
Example: Clarifying the location of the NEXT button
Using visual magnification devices or software
Example: MAP Growth is compatible with ZoomText Magnifier 9.1 or MAGic 11
Using auditory amplification devices, noise buffers, or software
Using masks to block a portion of the screen
Example: The student may use a sticky note, index card, or a blank sheet of paper to move down the screen as they are reading
Reading or rereading aloud the test directions
Reading or rereading aloud the test questions
For math, science, or language usage tests only
Text-To-Speech
Students with dyslexia or similar reading challenges may use the text-to-speech feature to have the test read to them automatically
Not Allowed ☹︎
Defining or explaining the questions, answers, or passages
Pronouncing or explaining math notation or symbols
Help With Answering the Question
The student’s response must accurately represent the student’s own choice.
Any help with answering the question should be neutral and not impact the student’s answer or guide them toward a particular answer.
Allowed ☺︎
An adult may scribe for the student (enter the student’s answer in the computer)
Students may tell the scribe their answer
Students may point to their answer for the scribe
Students may give the scribe their answer in their native language
Not Allowed ☹︎
Guiding the student toward the correct answer or letting them know if they answered correctly
Help With Managing Distractions
Allowed ☺︎
Testing an individual student in a separate setting
Testing a small group of students in a separate setting
Minimizing distractions
Example: Use of a study carrel
Not Allowed ☹︎
None applicable.
Help With Timing and Test Schedule
Allowed ☺︎
Administering the test over multiple sessions in a day
Administering the test over a number of days
(requires special arrangements with Homeschool Boss)
Allowing flexible schedule
Extending time for testing
All MAP Growth assessments are designed to be untimed for all students
Administering at time of day most beneficial to student
Offering breaks
Not Allowed ☹︎
Encouraging students to take an excessive amount of time on the test
Most students should finish each subject in 45-60 minutes
Materials or Device Accommodations
Allowed ☺︎
Providing scratch paper
Providing a comparable calculator when a student is unable to access the on-screen calculator given in a question
Not Allowed ☹︎
Allowing the student to use a calculator on questions that don’t have an on-screen calculator
Miscellaneous Accommodations
Allowed ☺︎
Providing a drink during testing
Providing a snack during testing
Non-Standard IEP Accommodations
Non-standard MAP accommodations are accommodations that have the potential to bias the student’s score and require special consideration.
Bias can arise from differences in the way each person reads, translates, or pronounces. Also, from one question to the next, variation in tone and inflection may cue or miscue the student to a particular answer.
Miscellaneous Accommodations
Not Allowed – in most cases ☹︎☹︎☹︎
Native language translation
Reading aloud the answer options
Reading or translating <I>any</I> portion of the reading test
Reading aloud the answer options
Defining words within the test question
Using a calculator for questions that do not have an on-screen calculator
Any other accommodations not listed above
What You Can Do
If circumstances necessitate non-standard MAP testing accommodations (such as an Individualized Education Plan, 504 plan, English for Speakers of Other Languages program, or a student with comparable special needs), let us know.
MAP Growth does not preclude you from making those accommodations, but as the test administrator, Homeschool Boss does require that non-standard accommodations be approved before testing.
Please include your required accommodation when you make your testing appointment.
Important:
Non-Standard Accommodation Effect on Results
The greater the use of non-standard MAP accommodations during the test’s administration, the weaker the validity of the inference that can be drawn from the student’s score.
This qualification should be considered when interpreting test scores or using them to make important educational decisions.