Educators use Measures of Academic Progress (also known as MAP) assessments to determine each student's performance baseline and can use this computer adaptive test throughout the year, or over a number of years to track a student's academic growth in grades K-12. Parents who are concerned about their student's education level and how they might perform on these tests may want to engage a tutor for MAP prep courses with the help of Varsity Tutors.
These K-12 interim assessments give educators opportunities to tailor their curriculum in specific areas where they see their students struggling. MAP gives teachers tools to create teaching plans and differentiate instruction when they need to. There are three MAP interim assessments: Growth, Reading Fluency (for pupils in K-3), and Skills. The Growth interim assessments may be given three times in a year's time, while Skills can be given as many times as an educator feels they are necessary.
There are MAP exams for mathematics, reading, and language usage. Enrolling your student in MAP classes with a tutor can help to solidify concepts in all of these areas. MAP prep classes can be customized to focus on specific concepts that your student seems to be struggling with. As a tutor gets to know your student, they will be able to develop a plan for reviewing and studying that targets your student's weaknesses and helps to maintain their strengths.
Although the scoring range is between 140 and 300, MAP scoring is not like other tests that students take throughout the academic year - the results are meant to tell educators where students are academically. The computer adaptive test format means that no students take the same test, because the computer delivers questions that are different, based on what the test taker's most recent response to a question was. The table below explains MAP scoring in more detail.
Explaining MAP Scoring
Score Indications | It is not evaluative but tells us where a child is at a given point in time. |
Test Uniqueness | The test is uniquely created for each student based on how he or she responds to a question. |
Question Origin | All questions come from a huge bank of questions each corresponding in difficulty to a particular score. |
Top Scores | Although it is possible to score as high as 265 or more on the reading test and 285 or more on the math test, 240 (reading) and 250 (math) are typical top scores. |
Average Scores | Scores range from about 140 to 300. |
Depending on a pupil's academic year, they may or may not see specific subjects on their MAP exams. Tutors can design a MAP course for your student's specific capabilities and what they're expected to know. They get to know a student's personality and the ways that the specific student learns best, and what techniques might not work for them. This means that they can create study aids and use techniques that your student has shown will work for them, and that are appropriate for a pupil's age and grade level. This may mean vocabulary quizzes, practice exams, visual aids, or other methods.
The table below outlines the specific academic areas and grade levels, as well as the number of questions a student may answer. A MAP course often includes instruction on these topics, as well as study tips.
MAP Tests Breakdowns
Subject (Grade Level) | Approx. Number of Questions |
Language (2-12) | 50 to 53 |
Math (2-5), Math (6+) | 50 to 53 |
Algebra, Geometry, Integrated Math (9+) | 40 to 43 |
Spanish Math (2-5), Spanish Math (6+) | 52 to 55 |
Reading (2-5), Reading (6+) | 40 to 43 |
Science (or "General Science") | 45 |
Science for use with Next Generation Science Standards | 45 |
A MAP class with a private tutor can help your student to concentrate their efforts on areas that they don't quite grasp as well as you might like. A MAP prep class can happen anywhere, thanks to Varsity Tutors' Live Learning Platform. This platform uses the internet to connect a student and their tutor, which provides even more flexibility. This can be important when a student has a particularly crazy schedule and multiple obligations that change over time.
Reach out to Varsity Tutors to schedule a consultation and get matched up with a tutor for a MAP prep course today. We look forward to helping your student to strive for their academic goals.
Molly: MAP course instructor
...in gaps to bolster a strong subject area foundation. 3. Impart test-taking skills and strategies necessary for school success. I teach with the tenets of the Common Core State Standards in mind. As such, I do not aim to teach "tricks" for getting the right answer. Rather, I aim to wholly ingrain the skills, strategies, and overall thinking needed to fully understand how and why we can come to certain answers. My goal is not...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Northwestern University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- SSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISAT
- +111 subjects
Christopher: MAP course instructor
...response to a story I have told, a video I have shown them, or a presentation I have given, I feel that I have done some small part to form a new connection between them and the greater fabric of humanity, both past and present. I thus seek to teach in a way that creates not only understanding, but excitement, fostering a connection between student and subject that goes well beyond rote memorization or cursory...
Education & Certification
- Truman State University - Bachelors, Political Science and Government
- Truman State University - Current Grad Student, Secondary Education: Social Studies
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- Advanced Placement
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +45 subjects
Brad: MAP course instructor
I received my Bachelor's in Computer Science from MIT, and am passionate about helping others! Learning has always come easy to me, and it's something I want to pass on to those around me. I was also the Valedictorian of my high school in colorado and was a top10 all-purpose football player at MIT. Everybody learns differently, and I want to help you achieve your goals!
Education & Certification
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Bachelors, Computer Science and Engineering
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- SAT
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +25 subjects
Nicholas: MAP course instructor
...on in high school (Maggie L. Walker Governor's School graduate), I discovered a passion for helping others and I now have had hundreds of hours of tutoring experience in a wide range of subjects including chess, computer programming, math, and SAT prep. In addition to the subjects previously listed, I would also tutor Spanish and chemistry as they are subjects I am comfortable with. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing chess (rated 2013 USCF) and...
Education & Certification
- University of Virginia-Main Campus - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT Critical Reading
- +65 subjects
Elizabeth: MAP course instructor
...needed to make my students a success! I have spent years working with national organizations for gifted students and also with students with learning disabilities. This gives me a special perspective on ALL learners and helps me tailor the best course of study for all of my students. In my spare time, I knit, love to visit new places, read about educational technology, spend time with my family, cook, and assist in training dogs to...
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Unknown, Music/English
- Long Island University - Unknown, Library Science
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- SSAT
- ISEE
- SAT
- +71 subjects
Zachary: MAP course instructor
...Georgetown's club rugby team and also participate in GUMSHOE, a club that teaches math and science to inner city students. I also enjoy going for runs to the monuments in DC and playing in pickup soccer games! For me, I especially enjoy tutoring mathematics because I think it serves as a foundation for a number of other subjects and also enhances problem solving ability. I'd like to see those I tutor consider studying mathematics in college...
Education & Certification
- Georgetown University - Bachelors, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- Advanced Placement
- +125 subjects
Hayley: MAP course instructor
...and a tutor, I have gained invaluable experience about how to help students, all the while learning so much about life from my students themselves. Besides tutoring, I make my living writing content professionally for several ed tech companies. Outside of work, I love to hike and play with my dog. I am a huge traveler and am very thankful to have a career that allows me to be flexible in my location.... I believe that it is important to tailor instruction to every student's needs and interests. I believe in creating engaging and rigorous lessons to push students, while having fun!
Education & Certification
- Barnard College - Bachelors, Anthropology
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- +66 subjects
Shelby: MAP course instructor
...in life; opens doors figuratively and literally. Everyone can learn to read and write; they just need a teacher with passion and purpose to take the time and effort to determine how to best instruct the individual student; I am that teacher. I am excited to work with even more students, as a Varsity tutor, to continue to "fill in educational gaps" and walk through some doors that have been closed to our students over...
Education & Certification
- Clemson University - Bachelors, Elementary Education
- Arkansas State University-Main Campus - Masters, Educational/School Leadership
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- TOEFL
- GED
- PARCC
- +37 subjects
Veronica: MAP course instructor
...a M.S. in Education from Northwestern University. I am also a former teacher. I taught 5th grade Language Arts and Social Studies at a CPS school. I am certified in elementary education and have a middle school endorsement in Social Studies. I love teaching, learning, and helping students do a little bit of both. I am passionate about politics and education. I am a big sports fan. I intensely root for my teams and defend...
Education & Certification
- The University of Chicago - Bachelors, History
- Northwestern University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- SAT
- PARCC
- ACT
- +52 subjects
D'Angela: MAP course instructor
...is my passion because working with numbers excites me. My goal is to inspire, educate, and challenge students to push through moments of frustration to experience success both academically and socially. My teaching style is to access what the students know and need to know. Then plan accordingly. I am great at breaking skills and problems down in a way that most students can grasp. I am excited to become your tutor and help you...
Education & Certification
- University of Southern Mississippi - Bachelor of Science, Elementary School Teaching
- University of Southern Mississippi - Master of Science, Counselor Education
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- PARCC
- GED
- Pre-Algebra
- +10 subjects
Nicole: MAP course instructor
...I also have experience teaching math to K-8 students. I try to bring an open mind, a positive attitude, and high expectations to each tutoring session every day. I believe that I owe it to my students, as well as the community, to bring consistency, diligence, and warmth to my job in the hope that I can ultimately inspire and encourage such traits in the children as well. I also believe that learning can happen...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor of Education, Special Education
- Benedictine University - Master of Arts Teaching, Reading Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- Florida EOC Assessment
- TACHS
- ISEE
- +50 subjects
Jamaal: MAP course instructor
My name is Dr. Jamaal Thomas! I am looking forward to being a positive change for you as you work towards becoming the best! I specialize in Psychology, Literacy, and Elementary Math. I am currently a Literacy and Executive Function coach for Wisdom Wins, LLC. I also conduct educational research, focusing on academic motivation, literacy strategies, and executive functioning in student learning.
Education & Certification
- Duquesne University - Bachelor in Arts, Sociology
- Walden University - Doctor of Philosophy, Social Psychology
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- PARCC
- SAT
- ESL/ELL
- +28 subjects
Victoria: MAP course instructor
...English, Literature, and Mathematics. In my experience helping struggling students prepare for Standardized Tests I work hard to make sure the learning is both fun and effective. I am a firm proponent of education, believing it to be absolutely necessary for an improved quality of life, and I try to impart this appreciation to all of my students. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling and quality time with family. I look forward to working...
Education & Certification
- Hampton University - Bachelor in Arts, English
- Harvard Business School - Certificate, Urban Education and Leadership
- Grand Canyon University - Master of Arts, Educational Administration
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- Elementary School English
- Other
- Test Prep
- +20 subjects
Seth: MAP course instructor
...My name is Mr. Seth. I currently live in Florida and have 5 years of teaching and/or tutoring experience. I graduated with an MA in Economics from the University of Florida in 2022 with the completion of a Florida Teacher Preparation Program. I am currently FLDOE certified in Social Studies K-12. I specialize in the following subjects: SAT Test Prep Economics Math K-12 ELA K-5 I help my students with anything they might need. I...
Education & Certification
- University of Florida - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- University of Florida - Master of Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- UK GCSE
- CLEP
- HSPT
- +207 subjects
Education & Certification
- Florida Atlantic University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- Florida Memorial University - Master of Arts Teaching, Reading Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- UK A Level
- ACT
- CLEP
- +74 subjects
Rita: MAP course instructor
...program offered by PISD at the time, and I graduated with a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. My philosophy of teaching is to value the commitment of being an educator in all its glory. While my students may not remember their parts of speech, they will; however, remember how I made them feel in my classroom. Thus, one of my primary objectives at the beginning of each school year is to build relationships with...
Education & Certification
- Baylor University - Bachelor of Science, Music Teacher Education
- University of North Texas - Master of Science, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- Study Skills and Organization
- Adult Literacy
- English
- +15 subjects
Ashlee: MAP course instructor
...undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies through Tennessee State University. I received a Masters in Instructional Leadership through Union University and am a licensed principal. The subjects I am most passionate about are reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary, and phonics and elementary math. I also have experience teaching students how to be more organized and strategies in test taking. I am a big believer of building relationships. I want my students to have confidence in me and...
Education & Certification
- Tennessee State University - Bachelor of Education, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Union University - Masters in Education, Educational Administration
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- Math
- Elementary School Reading
- Other
- +39 subjects
Education & Certification
- Gwynedd Mercy College - Bachelor of Science, Education of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs
- California State University-Los Angeles - Master of Arts, Special Education
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- SAT Subject Tests
- CogAT
- SCAT Exam
- +29 subjects
Hayley: MAP course instructor
...life. I set out to earn a degree in Education so I could use my natural talents and passions together to work with any student that needed help. In 2014, I earned two degrees from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Since then, I've worked as a certified Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction teacher. I've worked for schools in programs for At Risk, low engagement students and for schools with high achieving International Baccalaureate students. My...
Education & Certification
- University of Wisconsin Milwaukee - Bachelors, Secondary Education/English
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- ACT
- Summer
- Study Skills
- +22 subjects
Emmelina: MAP course instructor
...and hone as well as the appropriate work schedule to help students not only understand the material or tests, but be able to noticeably improve their scores and cognitive skills. In high school I tutored students for the SHSAT as well as provided homework help after school near Stuyvesant HS. In college in Chicago, I also volunteer-tutored local kids as well as worked as an educational consultant and private tutor at an elite Chicago-area company....
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, Environmental Science
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- SAT Subject Tests
- SHSAT
- ISEE
- +51 subjects