The NWEA MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) test is an adaptive assessment used in schools across the United States to measure student progress in reading, math, and language usage. Unlike traditional standardized tests, the MAP test adjusts its difficulty based on the student’s responses, providing a precise measurement of their academic level. Because of this, the scores can vary widely, and parents often wonder, “What is a good NWEA MAP score?”

A “good” MAP score depends on several factors, including grade level, subject area, and a student’s individual growth over time. The MAP test uses a RIT (Rasch Unit) scale, which is a continuous, grade-independent measure of student ability. This allows educators and parents to track progress and compare scores across different testing periods. In this article, we will break down what constitutes a strong MAP score for each grade level, helping parents and educators understand student performance in a meaningful way.

Understanding NWEA MAP Scores

Before diving into grade-specific analysis, it is important to understand the different components of a MAP test score report. The key elements include:

  • RIT Score – This is the main score reported on the MAP test, indicating the student’s academic level on a continuous scale.
  • Percentile Rank – This compares a student’s performance to other students in the same grade nationally. A 50th percentile rank means the student performed better than 50% of their peers.
  • Growth Score – This measures how much a student has improved over time, comparing their latest score to previous test results.

Since MAP scores are measured on a continuous scale, they allow students to track their progress over multiple years rather than being limited to grade-level benchmarks. Now, let’s look at what constitutes a good score by grade level.

Grade-by-Grade Analysis of Good MAP Scores

Kindergarten and 1st Grade

At this stage, students are just beginning their academic journey, and the MAP test primarily assesses early literacy and foundational math skills.

  • Kindergarten:
    • Reading: 135–145
    • Math: 138–148
  • 1st Grade:
    • Reading: 150–160
    • Math: 155–165

A good MAP score in kindergarten and first grade typically falls at or above the 60th percentile, which means scoring around 160 in reading and math by the end of first grade is considered strong. However, since young learners develop at different paces, growth over time is the most important factor.

2nd and 3rd Grade

As students advance, the test measures more complex skills in reading comprehension and mathematical reasoning.

  • 2nd Grade:
    • Reading: 165–180
    • Math: 170–185
  • 3rd Grade:
    • Reading: 180–195
    • Math: 185–200

A strong MAP score in 3rd grade would be above 190 in reading and 200 in math. Students scoring above these benchmarks are often performing above grade level.

4th and 5th Grade

Upper elementary students encounter more challenging material, and the MAP test measures higher-order thinking skills.

  • 4th Grade:
    • Reading: 190–205
    • Math: 200–215
  • 5th Grade:
    • Reading: 200–215
    • Math: 210–225

By 5th grade, a score of 215 or higher in reading and 220 or higher in math is considered strong. These students may be ready for advanced coursework.

6th and 7th Grade

Middle school assessments focus on complex reading comprehension, algebraic reasoning, and critical thinking.

  • 6th Grade:
    • Reading: 205–220
    • Math: 215–230
  • 7th Grade:
    • Reading: 210–225
    • Math: 220–235

A good 7th-grade score would be above 220 in reading and 230 in math, which indicates that the student is on track for high school readiness.

8th Grade and High School

By this stage, students are being assessed on their readiness for high school coursework, algebra, and advanced reading analysis.

  • 8th Grade:
    • Reading: 215–230
    • Math: 225–240
  • 9th–10th Grade:
    • Reading: 220–235
    • Math: 230–250

A 9th or 10th-grade student scoring above 230 in reading and 245 in math is considered to be performing at a high level and may be ready for advanced placement or honors courses.

What If Your Child’s Score Is Below Average?

If your child’s MAP score is below the national norm, don’t be discouraged. The MAP test is designed to track growth over time, not just achievement at a single point. Here are steps you can take:

  1. Look at Growth Trends – Even if a student is below the expected RIT score, steady improvement over multiple test periods is a positive sign.
  2. Identify Areas for Improvement – The MAP report provides breakdowns of strengths and weaknesses in specific skill areas.
  3. Work With Teachers – Discuss strategies to support learning at home and in the classroom.
  4. Practice Regularly – Encourage reading, math games, and problem-solving activities to reinforce learning outside of school.

What If Your Child’s Score Is Above Average?

If your child’s score is significantly above the expected range, consider:

  • Advanced coursework – Explore gifted programs, honors classes, or accelerated learning options.
  • Enrichment activities – Encourage participation in academic clubs, competitions, or independent study projects.
  • Challenging problem-solving exercises – Engage in higher-level math problems, analytical reading, or STEM activities.

Students with high MAP scores often benefit from opportunities to deepen their learning and explore more complex subjects.

Conclusion

A “good” NWEA MAP score varies depending on a student’s grade level, but the most important factor is academic growth over time. While percentile rankings can provide context, the real goal of the MAP test is to track progress and mastery of key skills. Whether your child is above, below, or at the expected level, focusing on steady improvement and targeted learning strategies will help them succeed in school and beyond.

By understanding map scores by grade level 2024 and collaborating with teachers, parents can use this valuable data to support their child’s academic journey and ensure they continue growing into confident and capable learners.