MAP Test Scores: Understanding MAP Scores

Hi, I’m Ariav, TestPrep-Online’s expert for MAP tests. I have a master’s degree in Education and experience as a teacher and tutor. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me atask_ariav@testprep-online.com

NWEA MAP Scoring

The MAP Growth Test has, over the years, become increasingly popular among schools in the United States. MAP’s unique quality lies in its measuring of students' personal academic progress. MAP testing scores chart a student’s academic growth in a manner that is easy for both parents and teachers to understand. Preparing for the test can give your child the opportunity to not only reach his or her potential, but to maximize it.

Learn more about standardized MAP testing for homeschoolers.

How Are NWEA RIT Scores Calculated?

To calculate MAP assessment scores, NWEA uses the RIT, or Rasch unIT scale. This scale measures the value of a student’s score in relation to his or her scores on previous tests. Each RIT score indicates a point on a continuous scale of learning. These NWEA scores are not to be interpreted as target scores, but rather as benchmarks of a student’s academic skill level over a given period of time. Questions on the MAP receive their RIT values after being tested on thousands of students across the United States. Responses to items throughout a student’s test are used to produce the final RIT score for that student.

The numerical (RIT) value given to a student predicts that at that specific difficulty level, a student is likely to answer about 50% of the questions correctly. Results are scored across an even interval scale, meaning that the difference between scores remains consistent regardless of whether a student scores high or low. It also means that grade level is not a factor. Since the MAP test is taken on a computer, once the child finishes the test, scores are immediately available.

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MAP Test Practice by Grade

MAP Testing Score RIT Charts for Math, Language Usage & Reading

NWEA MAP RIT Percentiles (Fall 2020 Norms)

MAP Scores by Grade Level 2024

Kindergarten

	Mathematics	Language Usage	Reading	Percentile
Higher Achievement	160	---	157	95
	152	---	149	84
	146	---	143	69
Median and Mean	140	---	137	50
Lower Achievement	133	---	131	31
	127	---	124	16
	119	---	117	5

1st Grade

	Mathematics	Language Usage	Reading	Percentile
Higher Achievement	181	---	177	95
	172	---	169	84
	166	---	162	69
Median and Mean	160	---	156	50
Lower Achievement	154	---	150	31
	148	---	143	16
	140	---	135	5

2nd Grade

	Mathematics	Language Usage	Reading	Percentile
Higher Achievement	196	200	197	95
	188	190	187	84
	181	182	180	69
Median and Mean	175	174	172	50
Lower Achievement	169	166	165	31
	162	158	157	16
	154	148	147	5

3rd Grade

	Mathematics	Language Usage	Reading	Percentile
Higher Achievement	211	213	214	95
	202	203	203	84
	195	195	195	69
Median and Mean	188	188	187	50
Lower Achievement	182	180	178	31
	175	172	170	16
	166	163	159	5

4th Grade

	Mathematics	Language Usage	Reading	Percentile
Higher Achievement	223	222	224	95
	214	212	213	84
	207	205	205	69
Median and Mean	200	197	197	50
Lower Achievement	192	190	188	31
	185	182	180	16
	176	172	169	5

5th Grade

	Mathematics	Language Usage	Reading	Percentile
Higher Achievement	234	228	231	95
	224	219	221	84
	217	211	213	69
Median and Mean	209	204	204	50
Lower Achievement	202	197	196	31
	194	190	188	16
	184	180	178	5

6th Grade

	Mathematics	Language Usage	Reading	Percentile
Higher Achievement	241	233	237	95
	231	224	227	84
	223	217	218	69
Median and Mean	215	209	210	50
Lower Achievement	207	202	202	31
	199	195	194	16
	188	186	183	5

7th Grade

	Mathematics	Language Usage	Reading	Percentile
Higher Achievement	249	237	241	95
	238	227	231	84
	229	220	222	69
Median and Mean	220	213	214	50
Lower Achievement	212	205	206	31
	203	198	198	16
	192	188	187	5

8th Grade

	Mathematics	Language Usage	Reading	Percentile
Higher Achievement	256	240	246	95
	244	230	235	84
	234	223	226	69
Median and Mean	225	216	218	50
Lower Achievement	216	208	210	31
	206	201	201	16
	194	191	190	5

9th Grade

	Mathematics	Language Usage	Reading	Percentile
Higher Achievement	259	242	250	95
	246	232	238	84
	236	224	228	69
Median and Mean	226	217	219	50
Lower Achievement	217	209	209	31
	207	201	200	16
	194	191	188	5

10th Grade

	Mathematics	Language Usage	Reading	Percentile
Higher Achievement	262	244	251	95
	249	234	239	84
	239	226	230	69
Median and Mean	229	219	221	50
Lower Achievement	219	211	213	31
	209	204	204	16
	196	194	192	5

11th Grade

	Mathematics	Language Usage	Reading	Percentile
Higher Achievement	266	245	253	95
	252	236	241	84
	242	228	232	69
Median and Mean	232	221	224	50
Lower Achievement	222	213	215	31
	211	206	206	16
	198	196	194	5

12th Grade

	Mathematics	Language Usage	Reading	Percentile
Higher Achievement	269	---	256	95
	254	---	243	84
	244	---	233	69
Median and Mean	233	---	224	50
Lower Achievement	222	---	214	31
	212	---	205	16
	197	---	191	5

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These NWEA reports show the MAP scores percentiles distribution in fall 2020 based on grade level. In order to understand how well a student performed on the test, his or her RIT score is compared to all of the other results from students in the same age group (the same grade). This measurement is called a percentile, and it tells you what percentage of your child’s peers he or she outperformed on the test.

For example, according to the first row of the chart for 5^th grade (you can change the grade with the arrows on the left), in order to score better than 95% of your peers, you would need to receive a 234 in mathematics, a 228 in language usage, and a 231 in reading. An alternative example can be a 5^th-grade student who scored 233 in mathematics – a little bit below the 95^th percentile, 212 in language usage – a little bit above the 69^th percentile, and 190 in reading – a bit above the 16^th percentile.

Use the NWEA percentile benchmarks below to better understand your child’s latest test score, compared with others.

Note:
There are no NWEA MAP Language Usage tests in kindergarten and 1st grade. In addition, there are no available norms for the Language Usage section for 12th grade because an insufficient number of students in this grade took this section.
All MAP test percentiles are from the NWEA website.

Need to get your child ready for the next test date? On the following pages you will find everything you need to properly prepare. Not sure which level you should choose? Email Ariav, TestPrep-Online's MAP expert, at ask_ariav@testprep-online.com. Please mention your child's recent RIT scores (if applicable) and his or her current grade, and he will let you know which pack is the best fit.

We also recommend watching this short video which shortly explains the basics of the NWEA MAP Growth Test:

MAP Test Scores: Understanding MAP Scores - TestPrep-Online (4)

MAP Test Scores: Understanding MAP Scores - TestPrep-Online (5)

Tips: How to Improve MAP Reading & Language Usage RIT Scores

Read a variety of texts. Boosting your vocabulary and getting used to reading challenging texts can both be done through making sure to read texts you are unaccustomed to.
Become an active reader. Actively reading means keeping yourself focused on the main goals of the text, searching for the main purpose of each paragraph and how it contributes to the overall role of the text. This skill is absolutely vital for reading comprehension questions.
Carry a vocabulary notebook. Came across a new word? Jot it down! Writing it makes it easier to remember. You will be surprised how many useful words you’ll come across, especially if you follow our first tip.
Practice speed reading techniques. Linked to active reading, speed reading can be an excellent way of zeroing in on the main purpose of passages and thus saving valuable time during the test. Remember: while the MAP is not a timed exam, the mind itself has a limit to how long it can remain focused, so that, no matter what, your time is limited.
Practice with MAP reading comprehension questions. Using actual map reading comprehension questions during your revision process can help you get used to the format of the exam and thus keep you from getting get taken aback come test day.

Tips: How to Improve NWEA MAP Math RIT Scores

Solve one math problem a day. Math becomes far less threatening when you make the goal to practice it a little smaller. Thus, we recommend starting with one math problem a day and working your way from there.
Practice using specific math techniques. Sometimes getting to the right answer with a math problem is all about nailing down the right technique to use. Therefore, take the time to learn and revise various methods of solving mathematical problems.
Know the why, not just the how. Especially with math questions, It can be very easy to fall into the trap of answering the question simply through using the standard given formula and nothing more. However, it is important to make sure you understand the formula as well. If not it can be extra tricky when you reach questions that are a little more abstract and a little less straightforward.
Go back to the basics. Having trouble with the complicated stuff? No problem! We recommend revising the simpler stuff once more. Very often a simple gap in past learned material is the only thing standing between you and the right answer.
Practice with MAP math questions. MAP math questions can be an excellent way to get used to both the format and the phrasing of the questions as well as give you hints on some of the classic “tricks” you may find on the actual exam.

How to Read & Interpret Reports of MAP Test Scores

A typical NWEA MAP Growth Scores Report, in a nutshell, is designed to show you how your student has progressed academically both overall and from semester to semester. Find out how to read and interpret the different components of an NWEA MAP Test Scores Report, including the graph, table, and descriptors.

*Report taken from the official NWEA Site*

Inside the Graph
The graph in the student progress report provides insight to academic ability and advancement in a four-part fashion: Individual Student Progress:The blue line in the graph represents only the student's progress and allows parents and educators to analyze the student's academic development in terms of his or her own personal achievement. District Grade Level Mean: The orange line provides insight into the average student’s progress within the district. This allows you to view your student's score in a local context. Norm Grade Level Mean RIT Score:The yellow line provides insight into the average student progress on a national scale. While this information is useful for parents, it is exceptionally beneficial for educators, as they can gain insight into district performance in comparison to the rest of the country. Future Progress Prediction: The dotted line in the graph provides a prediction for your student's future progress, on the basis of how they have performed in the past. Graph taken from the official NWEA Site

Inside the Graph

The graph in the student progress report provides insight to academic ability and advancement in a four-part fashion:

Individual Student Progress:The blue line in the graph represents only the student's progress and allows parents and educators to analyze the student's academic development in terms of his or her own personal achievement.

District Grade Level Mean: The orange line provides insight into the average student’s progress within the district. This allows you to view your student's score in a local context.

Norm Grade Level Mean RIT Score:The yellow line provides insight into the average student progress on a national scale. While this information is useful for parents, it is exceptionally beneficial for educators, as they can gain insight into district performance in comparison to the rest of the country.

Future Progress Prediction: The dotted line in the graph provides a prediction for your student's future progress, on the basis of how they have performed in the past.

*Graph taken from the official NWEA Site*

Inside the Table
In the table next to the graph you will find insight into your student's progress from year to year in terms of RIT scores. RIT (+/- Std Err)-shows the student's RIT scores, with the middle number being the actual RIT score achieved, and the other two numbers providing a range indicating that if the student were to take the test again they would likely score within these values. RIT Growth-shows student's RIT growth from one semester to another. More often than not, the column shows the growth from one fall semester to the next. Growth Projection-shows the prediction of a student's growth. Table taken from the official NWEA Site

Inside the Table

In the table next to the graph you will find insight into your student's progress from year to year in terms of RIT scores.

RIT (+/- Std Err)-shows the student's RIT scores, with the middle number being the actual RIT score achieved, and the other two numbers providing a range indicating that if the student were to take the test again they would likely score within these values.

RIT Growth-shows student's RIT growth from one semester to another. More often than not, the column shows the growth from one fall semester to the next.

Growth Projection-shows the prediction of a student's growth.

*Table taken from the official NWEA Site*

Inside the Descriptors
The role of the descriptors below the graph is to provide more details into the student's abilities within specific components of a given subject area. These descriptors are exceptionally useful in helping you map out where to start in your preparation process for the next test. In the examples below, skill level is represented by RIT scores. In addition, a lexile range is included, which helps parents and educators determine a student’s reading level and match him or her with appropriate texts. Descriptors taken from the official NWEA Site Note that some reports may present levels through ratings other than RIT scores: Low- <21st percentile LoAvg- 21st-40th percentile Avg- 41st-60th percentile HiAvg- 61st-80th percentile High- >81st percentile

Inside the Descriptors

The role of the descriptors below the graph is to provide more details into the student's abilities within specific components of a given subject area. These descriptors are exceptionally useful in helping you map out where to start in your preparation process for the next test. In the examples below, skill level is represented by RIT scores. In addition, a lexile range is included, which helps parents and educators determine a student’s reading level and match him or her with appropriate texts.

*Descriptors taken from the official NWEA Site*

Note that some reports may present levels through ratings other than RIT scores:

Low- <21st percentile
LoAvg- 21st-40th percentile
Avg- 41st-60th percentile
HiAvg- 61st-80th percentile
High- >81st percentile

How RIT Scores are Used: Academic Measurement & Gifted Identification

RIT scores are used to track your child’s progress over a period of time. The scores are not meant to be used as a tool of comparison between students, nor are the scores used as an indication of course achievement. MAP scoring is a means of representing your child’s academic skill set. Proper preparation can provide a more accurate report of these academic abilities.

Because of MAP's unique RIT scoring system, it is often used as a means to spot gifted students. Check out our MAP Test Scores Gifted Charts below to get an idea of what a gifted score may look like:

**Please note that our charts are only an estimation of gifted measurement and reflects solely upon the top percentile norms of 2020 (the 95th and 84th percentiles).

NWEA MAP RIT Scores for Gifted Programs

Grade	Mathematics		Language		Reading
K	160	152	--	--	157	149
1	181	172	--	--	177	169
2	196	188	200	190	197	187
3	211	202	213	203	214	203
4	223	214	222	212	224	213
5	234	224	228	219	231	221
6	241	231	233	224	237	227
7	249	238	237	227	241	231
8	256	244	240	230	246	235
9	259	246	242	232	250	238
10	262	249	244	234	251	239
11	266	252	245	236	253	241

*Please note that there are no NWEA MAP Language Usage tests in kindergarten and 1st grade.

How Should My Child Progress Over Time?

RIT scores are expected to increase over time. Scores of students in lower grades tend to increase more quickly than those of students in higher grades due to the increased level of difficulty of the higher grade-level tests. RIT scores generally range between 140 and 300. In third grade, students usually score anywhere between 140 and 190, and in higher grade levels they may progress to a score between 240 and 300.

Improve Your Child's NWEA MAP Scores with TestPrep-Online!

Though the NWEA reports may help you understand your child’s score better, they are not enough to ensure a better one in the future. To receive a better MAP test percentile ranking, your child needs to practice using the correct study tools.

Our MAP practice packs can gauge your child's abilities, whether your child is at the top of the class or needs some extra guidance. Our practice tests with varying levels of difficulty in every test subject will help your child improve, no matter what his or her level is.

With over 800 questions to work with, your child is guaranteed to feel challenged. Access our MAP practice material today so your child can feel confident and prepared on test day.

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MAP Test Scores: Understanding MAP Scores - TestPrep-Online (2025)