SPEEDRUN Contest - Evaluation and Progression in IXL Learning with MAP Testing

Introduction

IXL Learning emphasizes the importance of evaluation and progression through standardized testing and contest participation. This article provides detailed information on the role of MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) Growth Tests in evaluating student progress and the conditions under which these tests are assigned and administered.

 

Role of Standardized Tests in Progression

STAAR and MAP Tests for Grade Level Validation

STAAR: Standardized tests like STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) are utilized to validate the advancement of students to the correct grade level.

MAP Growth Tests: These tests are taken again at the end of the contest rounds and are a criterion for receiving rewards. They are proctored by a service provider to ensure integrity.

Contest Results and Learning Efficacy

The results of the contests are analyzed to demonstrate the efficacy of mastery learning over traditional letter grades. This approach highlights the effectiveness of the learning methods used in IXL.

 

High-Level Overview of MAP Test Assignment
Conditions for MAP Testing

• New Students: If a student is new and does not have MAP test results less than 6 months old, they will be assigned a MAP test.
• MAP Testing Season: Tests are also assigned during the designated MAP testing season, as configured by the system.
• Manual Assignment: Staff can manually assign MAP tests to students through the Academics app.
• Subject-Specific Assignment: Assignment of MAP tests is subject-specific. For instance, if a new student has results only in Math and Science, they will be assigned Reading and Language MAP tests upon joining.

Student Interface

Once assigned, the MAP test for each subject appears in the student’s “My Required Learning” section.

Clicking on the MAP test item provides test-taking instructions and triggers proctoring and the test.

After completing the test, the MAP item is removed from the student’s dashboard.

 

Low-Level Detail on MAP Test Assignment

Recommending MAP Tests

Upon a new student's start, the system checks if their parents submitted MAP test results, when they were taken, and in which subjects.

The system automatically assigns MAP tests in subjects without recent results.

Adding MAP Test to Required Learning

Assigned MAP tests appear in a new section called “My assigned MAP Growth tests” above all subjects in “My Required Learning”.