End of Course Exams: Replacement for the MAP
by Seth Huffhines
January 12, 2009
Say goodbye to MAP testing. This year schools in Missouri are introducing a new concept: End of Course Exams. The main reason for the switch is because the MAP test wasn’t tied to an individual class but a broad perspective. The three classes taking the test this year are Biology, Algebra I and English II and more will be implemented next year.
“I think this test will be a whole lot better,” Sophomore Lee Cureton said, “because it is geared to the class you are currently in rather than building on previous classes.”
The state of Missouri is mandating that the exam count as at least 10 percent of the student’s second semester grade.
“I hope this motivates kids to do better,” Science teacher Mrs. Brenda Andersen said. “But I’m not sure that kids really understand how it could affect their grade.”
To prepare the students for the tests, teachers may have to tailor their curriculum to cover what is needed on the test.
“I have tried to make some adjustments,” Anderson said, “to make sure that Biology kids are exposed to the material that they will be tested over.”
The test consists of multiple choice and constructive response questions. The multiple choice portion is sent off and graded by the publisher of the test. The constructive response is graded locally, to count as part of the 10 percent, then sent in to the publisher to be officially evaluated.
This test affects mainly freshmen and sophomore students. However, more classes will implement End of Course Exams next year. The classes slated for 2010 include English I, Algebra II, Geometry, Integrated Mathematics II and III, American History, and Government.
“I believe this test has some merit,” Assistant Superintendent Roger Schmitz said. “If it is a productive way to measure student learning, I’m for it.”
