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Earlier this week, families received their child’s NWEA MAP Growth Family Report. We know these reports can feel overwhelming at first, so we want to help you understand what the information means and how it supports your child’s learning.
What is NWEA MAP Growth?
MAP Growth is a nationally normed assessment that measures student progress in reading and math. It is taken multiple times throughout the year to show academic growth and help teachers personalize instruction.
What is a RIT Score?
You will see a RIT score on the report. This is a stable scale score that shows your child’s current level of achievement. Rather than focusing on grade level alone, the RIT score helps us understand what skills your child is ready to learn next.
What does the percentile mean?
The percentile rank compares your child’s performance to students across the country at the same grade level. For example, a percentile of 60 means your child performed as well as or better than 60% of students nationwide.
How do teachers use this data?
Teachers use MAP data to:
- Identify individual student strengths and areas for growth
- Group students for targeted instruction
- Differentiate lessons and learning activities
- Track progress and growth over time
How can families support learning at home?
- Encourage daily reading
- Practice math facts and problem-solving
- Ask your child about what they are learning in school
- Celebrate effort, progress, and growth—not just scores
Understanding Your Child’s IXL Diagnostic Report
Families also received IXL Diagnostic Reports, which provide valuable insight into your child’s current skill levels in reading and math and help guide personalized instruction.
What is the IXL Diagnostic?
The IXL Diagnostic is an adaptive assessment that pinpoints each student’s academic readiness level and identifies specific skills they have mastered and those they are ready to learn next. Unlike traditional tests, the diagnostic adjusts in real time based on student responses.
What do the scores mean?
Instead of a single test score, IXL provides:
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A grade-level placement, which estimates where your child is currently performing
- A skill breakdown, showing mastered skills, developing skills, and areas for growth
This allows teachers to target instruction precisely and ensure students are working at the appropriate level for growth.
How do teachers use this data?
Teachers use IXL diagnostic data to:
- Create personalized learning plans
- Assign targeted practice activities
- Monitor student progress over time
- Adjust instruction to meet individual student needs
How can families support learning at home?
- Encourage regular practice on IXL
- Review progress reports with your child
- Celebrate improvements and effort
- Support consistency rather than perfection
Understanding Your Child’s IRLA Home Report
Finally, Families also received IRLA (Independent Reading Level Assessment) Home Report, which provide important information about your child’s reading level, comprehension skills, and next steps for growth.
What is IRLA?
IRLA is a comprehensive reading assessment system that helps teachers determine a student’s independent reading level and identify specific reading skills they have mastered and those they are still developing. It allows teachers to provide targeted instruction and ensure students are reading texts that are both appropriate and challenging.
What does the reading level mean?
Your child’s IRLA reading level represents the type and complexity of text they can read independently with strong comprehension. This helps guide:
- Classroom reading instruction
- Small group instruction
- Book selection for independent reading
Rather than focusing on grade level alone, IRLA ensures students are matched with books that promote confidence, engagement, and growth.
How do teachers use this data?
Teachers use IRLA data to:
- Group students for targeted reading instruction
- Select appropriate instructional strategies
- Monitor reading growth over time
- Set individualized reading goals
How can families support reading at home?
- Encourage daily independent reading
- Help your child choose books at their “just-right” reading level
- Talk about what they are reading by asking questions and discussing the story
- Celebrate reading progress and effort
If you have questions about your child’s reports or would like to discuss their results in more detail, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher. We are happy to partner with you in supporting your child’s academic success!
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