What is the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA)?

Northwest Evaluation Association is a not-for-profit organization that serves school districts throughout the nation in improving learning through assessment. These tests, coupled with NWEA resources, allow educators to make informed decisions to promote academic growth. NWEA partners with more than 2,200 school districts representing more than three million students. Visit www.nwea.org.

What assessments are offered by NWEA?

NWEA offers state-aligned, computerized adaptive tests, called Measure of Academic Progress (MAP). These tests accurately reflect the instructional level of each student and measure growth over time. NWEA offers MAP tests in the subjects of Mathematics, Reading, Language Arts. In addition, NWEA has Science assessments that measure student knowledge of Concepts, Processes, and General Science.

When are these assessments administered?

Schools have the option of administering the MAP assessments up to four times each year. Typically, schools administer the test in the fall and the spring. Indiana charter schools administer tests each fall and spring as a measure of student progress. Test dates for the 2007-08 are now posted on the OCSR home page.

What resources are available for use with NWEA assessments?

There are many online resources available to schools using MAP assessments, including:

• DesCartes: This assessment tool provides the information educators need to meet the academic needs of each individual student. The DesCartes continuum of learning orders specific reading, language usage, mathematics, and science skills and concepts by achievement level. The skills and concepts align to state standards and are grouped along the continuum according to the NWEA measurement scale for easy reference. View a demonstration at http://www.nwea.org/classroom/descartes.asp.
• Lexile: This score, reported along with the MAP reading assessment score, provides a means of measuring a student's reading level and growth. It also aids teachers and parents in selecting reading materials that appropriately challenge students and strengthen reading skills. The Lexile score can be used to find resources at www.lexile.com. 
• Online Reports: NWEA reports turn test results into actionable information. Performance data is available in as little as one day after testing, and reports are formatted to meet the needs of each member of a child's learning team. Information available on reports includes percentile rank, achievement score, projected proficiency on state assessments, and individual student growth. View sample reports in the Document Library at http://www.nwea.org/support/documentlibrary/index.asp.
• Training: Professional development for educators is available online, regionally, and at the district level to aide in the application of MAP data to improve classroom instruction and increase student growth. Participants can build expertise within their school or district, develop leadership teams to improve student performance, and collaborate with others as they attend training along a continuum of learning.
• Document Library: This online collection of materials has reference guides for administrators, teachers, and parents. It also contains sample reports, presentations, and other resource materials. NWEA research publications can also be found at this site. Visit the Document Library at http://www.nwea.org/support/documentlibrary/index.asp.

Is NWEA testing required for charter schools?

Currently, both the Indianapolis Mayor's Office and the Ball State University Office of Charter Schools require their charter schools to administer MAP twice each year, in the subjects of mathematics, reading, and language arts. The assessment is administered in Grades 2 through 12.

How do I enroll my charter school in NWEA testing?

If your school wishes to test under the Charter School Association license, you will need to contact the Office of Charter School Research at csresearch@bsu.edu or 765-285-4465. Enrollment files, containing important student information, will be submitted prior to each testing season during the year. Test dates and deadlines for the upcoming school year are available on the OCSR home page.

What technical resources are available for NWEA testing?

NWEA has a technical support line to handle issues surrounding test administration. That toll free number is 877-469-3287.

The OCSR offers technical support to charter schools administering MAP assessments. There are mobile computer labs available to provide the school with the technology to conduct testing. Assistance with enrollment, data management, and online access is also available. To request technology for use with MAP assessments, contact OCSR at csresearch@bsu.edu.

Is there training available on NWEA testing and use of NWEA data?

• What training options are available?
  For information about professional development opportunities along the NWEA training continuum, visit http://www.nwea.org/pd/.
• What is the cost?
  Cost to attend trainings held by NWEA varies depending on length and content.  Visit http://www.nwea.org/pd/ for registration information.  There is no cost to charter schools for half-day onsite trainings.  Contact OCSR for more information about attending upcoming district trainings.
• How do I arrange training for my charter school staff?
  Contact OCSR to schedule an on-site, half-day training for your charter school.  If you wish to participate in an online training or attend a regional training, registration information is available at http://www.nwea.org/pd/.  See the OCSR home page for information about upcoming district trainings.

Who do I contact for more information?

• For information about NWEA testing at an Indiana charter school, contact the Office of Charter School Research at 765-285-4465 or at csresearch@bsu.edu.
• For more information about NWEA and MAP assessments, visit www.nwea.org.