Zion Lutheran School in Lincoln implements MAP Skills Testing for students

 

[February 11, 2023]  Zion Lutheran School is excited about a new testing program that has begun this year for their students.

Zion Lutheran School students in grades K - 8 are now taking the MAPS Skill Testing in Reading, Math and Language Arts. It is to be taken three times a year: September, January and April. The purpose of the testing is to assess the skill levels of the students in each of these areas. The first test is a base line and future tests help show the growth of the students in the subject areas.

Students in grades K - 8 met with their teachers and set goals after each testing session. The students review with their teachers the test results, revisit goals set after the preceding test, analyze the achievement of the goals, and set new goals for the next testing session.

Teachers will analyze the test scores for the whole class, as well as for the individual students. This allows the teacher to review the presentation of the overall curriculum for the entire class, determine what areas need to be stressed for those students who may not have mastered some of the necessary skills, and challenge those students who have attained the necessary skills and provide curriculum that will provide more growth for each individual student.

A family report is sent home to every parent. The report is a summary of academic performance, defines achievement and growth, explains the scoring, and gives the parent a sample of questions that they can ask their child’s teacher. These questions help parents know how they can reinforce the child’s learning at home, the curriculum, as well as understand the child’s mastery of grade level standards.

The testing will be used to track student growth at Zion Lutheran School and be a basis for a School Improvement Plan. This type of plan is critical for the school and assures that the excellent education provided at Zion Lutheran School continues.

[Text provided by Jodie Merritt]