The purpose of this research report is to provide detailed information about updates to the MAP Growth item-selection algorithm. This brief includes results from the Content Proximity pilot study, including information on the validity, reliability, and test score comparability of MAP Growth assessments that leverage this new item-selection algorithm.

This report documents the procedure used to produce the achievement and growth user norms for a series of the course-specific MAP® Growth™ subject tests, including Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, Integrated Math III, and Biology/Life Science. Among these tests, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, Integrated Math III, and Biology/Life Science were the first time to have their norms available. The remaining tests, i.e., Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2, had their norms updated including receiving more between-term growth norms by using more recent test events. Procedure for norm sample selection and a model-based approach using the multivariate true score model (Thum & He, 2019) that factors out known imprecision of scores to generate the norms are also provided in detail, along with the snapshots of the achievement and growth norms for each test.

The MAP Growth theory of action describes key features of MAP Growth and its position in a comprehensive assessment system.

This report documents the results of an item parameter drift study designed to check the parameter stability of MAP Growth items.

This document presents the intended uses and methodology of the MAP Growth linking studies, a description of the results provided in the linking study reports, and a summary of the recent linking studies conducted by NWEA to incorporate the new 2020 norms.

Two studies were conducted to evaluate whether the existing MAP Growth item parameter estimates are invariant across different calibration samples.

The report documents the process NWEA followed to determine and validate the cut scores for fall, winter, and spring that can be used to identify students in Grades K–8 who have severe learning difficulties and need intensive intervention in reading and mathematics.