By: Leila Evans & Tyler Shaw
Map testing is a relatively new form of testing implemented at Southeast. Students take long tests in math, English, and science to gauge how much they know, and how much they’ve improved throughout the year. Many students don’t like map testing because it can take up a lot of time. Even students that don’t have to test dislike the full week of block days during testing periods. In general, it is easy to conclude that students don’t like map testing- but what do teachers think about it?
English teacher Jennifer Baker stated, “As frustrating as it can be, I think it is necessary to have some concrete data for teachers as well as students and parents on where students are showing strengths and weaknesses and overall success and growth… It’s hard to get students to ‘care’ about the MAP test and I do think, overall, that students can be overtested. I can understand the frustration on their end.” As far as replacing the midterm goes, Baker thinks that Map testing is a good replacement. If midterms were added, it would be too much testing for the students. Although map testing is extensive, it is a good way to see academic improvement. Baker thinks that a sufficient way to improve the testing process is to make it shorter. Instead of doing map testing all week, it would be good to get it done in just one block period.
When asked about positive and negative effects of map testing, Math teacher Brady Deremer said one major positive of map testing is that, “Map testing helps us identify students who are struggling.” Not all parts of Map testing are good though: Deremer stated that, “ Most students believe that the tests are almost punishments for not doing well in class.” It is important for students to understand that these tests are not punishment. They are a way for teachers to see where students are struggling, and where they can improve their teaching.
While map testing has its imperfections, it is important to our education system and the growth of students. Many teachers don’t necessarily enjoy map testing, but they see the benefits, and the general consensus is that these positives outweigh the negatives. Teachers say that having valuable information on students is very important to helping the growth of all students. Teachers and students alike can agree that map testing takes too long, but overall, it is profitable for everyone.
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