Testing Preparation for Teachers

For a printed version of this information, download the printable checklist.

Note: This checklist relates to Benchmark testing within MAP® Reading Fluency™. For information about Progress Monitoring, see Progress Monitoring .

1–2 weeks before testing

Creating a test day plan

  • Confirm the testing window with your administrator
  • Confirm availability of devices being used for assessment, including boom mic headsets
  • Determine test group(s) size: whole or smaller groups (consider: students should be about two feet apart while testing)
  • Determine where students will test, then schedule the test location, if needed
  • Decide on an activity for students to do after they complete the test, such as silent reading
  • Recommended: schedule a parent or support staff to assist on testing day, especially if the test group exceeds 15 students
  • If you are not proctoring the test, schedule a proctor(s)

Setting up the software

  • Recommended: assign a single password to all students
  • Print usernames and passwords
  • Assign test (Benchmark) and choose test language

  • Assign test subtype (you may need to check with your administrator for guidance)

     

    Subtypes Description
    Adaptive Oral Reading (default/most common) Adapts to assess a broad range of reading skills depending on student performance
    Foundational Skills Assesses a range of foundational skills only; does not include oral reading
    Adaptive Oral Reading - Passages Only Assesses oral reading skills only without ability to adapt into foundational skills
    Foundational Skills - Beginner Assesses beginner foundational skills only, with the addition of print concepts (use only for pre-K/students with little-to-no reading experience)
  • Assign a mouse check to students who may not have mouse proficiency (not needed on an iPad®)
  • Recommended: for students with the mouse skills check assigned, schedule mouse practice time in advance of the testing date; if they do not pass the mouse skills check on test day, they may not be able to complete the assessment

1–5 days before testing

Preparing your students

  • Introduce the assessment and explain its purpose
  • Discuss what students should expect in different sections of the assessment
  • Explain where students will take the assessment and on which devices
  • Consider showing sections of the Student Experience video to your students
  • Have students take a practice test
  • Discuss strategies for what to do when students see a challenging question
  • Demonstrate how the headsets work and emphasize the importance of not touching the microphone (recommended: have students practice wearing headsets)
  • Have students practice reading aloud at the same time to mimic the assessment environment
  • Recommended: if students are not accustomed to reading passages on a screen, you may want to have them practice this as well
  • Explain what to do when students finish the test
  • Allow time for students to ask questions and discuss why they take assessments

Additional resources