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, including special needs homeschool testing.
To best measure growth, we recommend being consistent in the accommodations you offer and how you provide them.
For those students who need accommodations, use the guidelines below to set them up for success.
Standard IEP Accommodations for Special Needs MAP Homeschool Testing
Help With Understanding the Question
ALLOWED
Simplifying or clarifying directions
For example, clarifying the location of the Next button
Using visual magnification devices or software
For 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;
For 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
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 Questions
The student’s response must accurately represent the student’s own choice.
Any help in 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 (entering 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 let 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
For example, use of a study carrel
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 For Special Needs MAP Homeschool Testing
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.
Not Allowed In Most Cases
NOT USUALLY ALLOWED
Native language translation
Reading aloud the answer options
Reading or translating any portion of the reading test
Pronouncing symbols for math or science
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), 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.
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.
Questions?
Please contact us at sales@homeschoolboss.com