Dear Parents & Guardians:

During the weeks of January 18-February 10, 2010, your child will take tests called Measures of Academic Progress (MAP). We give students in grades 7-10 MAP tests to determine each child’s instructional level and to measure academic growth throughout the school year, and from year to year, in the areas of reading, math and language usage. Your child will take the tests on a computer. Each subject area test (reading, math and language) takes approximately an hour or less. Your child will take these MAP tests again in May.

MAP tests are unique in that they adapt to be appropriate for your child’s level of learning. As a result, each student has the same opportunity to succeed and maintain a positive attitude toward testing. With MAP tests, we can administer shorter tests and use less class time while still receiving detailed, accurate information about your child’s growth. Following each testing period, you will receive a report showing your child’s growth.

We are truly excited to begin a new era that focuses on every child’s individual growth and achievement. By partnering to help all kids learn, parents and teachers can have a profound positive effect on the lives of our children. For more information on MAP including resources for parents, download the online Parent Toolkit from the NWEA web site at http://www.nwea.org/support/details.aspx?content=930. Please feel free to contact your child’s principal for more information.

Sincerely,

Jay Streicher

Director of Curriculum and Professional Development

Matt Jeffrey

Somonauk Middle School Principal

Chris Neidigh

Somonauk High School Principal