Educators use Measures of Academic Progress (also known as MAP) assessments to determine each student's performance baseline and can use this computer adaptive test throughout the year, or over a number of years to track a student's academic growth in grades K-12. Parents who are concerned about their student's education level and how they might perform on these tests may want to engage a tutor for MAP prep courses with the help of Varsity Tutors.
These K-12 interim assessments give educators opportunities to tailor their curriculum in specific areas where they see their students struggling. MAP gives teachers tools to create teaching plans and differentiate instruction when they need to. There are three MAP interim assessments: Growth, Reading Fluency (for pupils in K-3), and Skills. The Growth interim assessments may be given three times in a year's time, while Skills can be given as many times as an educator feels they are necessary.
There are MAP exams for mathematics, reading, and language usage. Enrolling your student in MAP classes with a tutor can help to solidify concepts in all of these areas. MAP prep classes can be customized to focus on specific concepts that your student seems to be struggling with. As a tutor gets to know your student, they will be able to develop a plan for reviewing and studying that targets your student's weaknesses and helps to maintain their strengths.
Although the scoring range is between 140 and 300, MAP scoring is not like other tests that students take throughout the academic year - the results are meant to tell educators where students are academically. The computer adaptive test format means that no students take the same test, because the computer delivers questions that are different, based on what the test taker's most recent response to a question was. The table below explains MAP scoring in more detail.
Explaining MAP Scoring
| Score Indications | It is not evaluative but tells us where a child is at a given point in time. |
| Test Uniqueness | The test is uniquely created for each student based on how he or she responds to a question. |
| Question Origin | All questions come from a huge bank of questions each corresponding in difficulty to a particular score. |
| Top Scores | Although it is possible to score as high as 265 or more on the reading test and 285 or more on the math test, 240 (reading) and 250 (math) are typical top scores. |
| Average Scores | Scores range from about 140 to 300. |
Depending on a pupil's academic year, they may or may not see specific subjects on their MAP exams. Tutors can design a MAP course for your student's specific capabilities and what they're expected to know. They get to know a student's personality and the ways that the specific student learns best, and what techniques might not work for them. This means that they can create study aids and use techniques that your student has shown will work for them, and that are appropriate for a pupil's age and grade level. This may mean vocabulary quizzes, practice exams, visual aids, or other methods.
The table below outlines the specific academic areas and grade levels, as well as the number of questions a student may answer. A MAP course often includes instruction on these topics, as well as study tips.
MAP Tests Breakdowns
| Subject (Grade Level) | Approx. Number of Questions |
| Language (2-12) | 50 to 53 |
| Math (2-5), Math (6+) | 50 to 53 |
| Algebra, Geometry, Integrated Math (9+) | 40 to 43 |
| Spanish Math (2-5), Spanish Math (6+) | 52 to 55 |
| Reading (2-5), Reading (6+) | 40 to 43 |
| Science (or "General Science") | 45 |
| Science for use with Next Generation Science Standards | 45 |
A MAP class with a private tutor can help your student to concentrate their efforts on areas that they don't quite grasp as well as you might like. A MAP prep class can happen anywhere, thanks to Varsity Tutors' Live Learning Platform. This platform uses the internet to connect a student and their tutor, which provides even more flexibility. This can be important when a student has a particularly crazy schedule and multiple obligations that change over time.
Reach out to Varsity Tutors to schedule a consultation and get matched up with a tutor for a MAP prep course today. We look forward to helping your student to strive for their academic goals.
Molly: MAP course instructor
...part of my academic training. As a Tutor, I can do more than simply help students with homework. My approach to aiding them is three-fold. I will work to: 1. Review and reteach material from her school that has proven difficult. 2. Diagnostically assess for instructional gaps and then fill in gaps to bolster a strong subject area foundation. 3. Impart test-taking skills and strategies necessary for school success. I teach with the tenets of...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Northwestern University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- PSAT
- ISAT
- TOEFL
- +111 subjects
Zachary: MAP course instructor
...majoring in math with a minor in music. I specialize in tutoring high school math and chemistry, but I can also tutor for standardized tests. I have tutoring experience from highschool. I enjoy tutoring because I get to see how my students develop their skills over time. Outside of school, I enjoy playing trombone and singing (I do enjoy using songs to help memorize math formulas), speedcubing (solving Rubik's Cubes really fast), and hanging out...
Education & Certification
- Illinois State University - Current Undergrad, Mathematics - Actuarial Science
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- PSAT
- ACT
- Geometry
- +19 subjects
Brad: MAP course instructor
I received my Bachelor's in Computer Science from MIT, and am passionate about helping others! Learning has always come easy to me, and it's something I want to pass on to those around me. I was also the Valedictorian of my high school in colorado and was a top10 all-purpose football player at MIT. Everybody learns differently, and I want to help you achieve your goals!
Education & Certification
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Bachelors, Computer Science and Engineering
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- +25 subjects
Kathleen: MAP course instructor
...school mathematics in Providence. I graduated from Cornell University in 2010 with a BA in Psychology. I dove into teaching right after college and taught 6th grade math. After a few years of teaching, I served as an Urban Education Fellow at Brown University. I love teaching math and working with students of all ages. I really love algebra concepts in particular! In my free time, I like to play soccer and surf at Narragansett...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelors, Psychology
- Brown University - Masters, Urban Education Policy
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- REGENTS
- +32 subjects
Zachary: MAP course instructor
...with minors in Physics and Economics. I'm also pre-med and hope to be an orthopedic surgeon someday. While I originally hail from Cape Cod, MA, I will be spending most of my summer in Boston taking Organic Chemistry at Harvard. Outside of the classroom, I'm a part of Georgetown's club rugby team and also participate in GUMSHOE, a club that teaches math and science to inner city students. I also enjoy going for runs to...
Education & Certification
- Georgetown University - Bachelors, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- SAT
- Advanced Placement
- SAT Subject Tests
- +125 subjects
Christopher: MAP course instructor
...lived experience of peoples to guide both my choice of elective courses, and the way in which I approached a variety of topics and concepts. I have explored and excelled in courses from economics, to Russian language and history, to the study of governments both domestic and foreign - largely because of an ability to see the common themes and historical threads which wove said topics together, and highlighting the ways in which forces of...
Education & Certification
- Truman State University - Bachelors, Political Science and Government
- Truman State University - Current Grad Student, Secondary Education: Social Studies
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- Advanced Placement
- +45 subjects
Brittany: MAP course instructor
...degree in journalism and political science, I taught elementary school for two years in St. Louis with the program Teach for America. While in the classroom I received my Masters in Education from the University of Missouri, St. Louis. I now work for a STEM non-profit, combining my passion for education with my skills in public relations. My most treasured moments in the classroom happened when working individually with students, and I'm looking forward to...
Education & Certification
- University of Iowa - Bachelors, Political Science, Journalism
- University of Missouri-St Louis - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- ISEE
- ACT
- SSAT
- +41 subjects
Hayley: MAP course instructor
...creating engaging lessons that are tailored for each of my students. As both a classroom teacher and a tutor, I have gained invaluable experience about how to help students, all the while learning so much about life from my students themselves. Besides tutoring, I make my living writing content professionally for several ed tech companies. Outside of work, I love to hike and play with my dog. I am a huge traveler and am very...
Education & Certification
- Barnard College - Bachelors, Anthropology
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- SAT Subject Tests
- PSAT
- PARCC
- +66 subjects
MaryBeth: MAP course instructor
...JMU and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Mary Baldwin College. I am certified to teach Pre-K through 6th grade. I have worked with children of all ages and I've tutored students in all of the core subjects, mostly focusing on math and reading. I've also taught preschool and tested preschool children. I've taught English to refugees from several nations, mostly adults, although children were sometimes in the classes. I love working with students....
Education & Certification
- James Madison University - Bachelors, Health Sciences
- Mary Baldwin College - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- ISAT
- GED
- ACT
- +157 subjects
Nicholas: MAP course instructor
...of Virginia on the premed track pursuing a double major in computer science and biology. Early on in high school (Maggie L. Walker Governor's School graduate), I discovered a passion for helping others and I now have had hundreds of hours of tutoring experience in a wide range of subjects including chess, computer programming, math, and SAT prep. In addition to the subjects previously listed, I would also tutor Spanish and chemistry as they are...
Education & Certification
- University of Virginia-Main Campus - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- Pre-Calculus
- +65 subjects
Stacey: MAP course instructor
...learners who struggle with reading and skills like organization, time management, and task completion. Many families come to me feeling frustrated or worried because traditional tutoring hasn't workedand I understand that feeling deeply. My personalized sessions focus on phonics, decoding, and multisyllabic reading using structured, multisensory OG instruction, paired with EF strategies that help learners stay organized, focused, and confident. I believe real progress happens when students are supported academically and cognitively. Sessions are engaging,...
Education & Certification
- Audrey Cohen College - Bachelors, Business Administration and Management
- Mercy College - Masters, Education
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- SAT
- ACT
- SSAT
- +73 subjects
Lindsay: MAP course instructor
I am a passionate educator with a love of learning and teaching! I have three years of teaching experience (grades 1-5) at a technology school. I understand that each individual student learns differently and I have ample experience finding resources and instructional methods to match the needs of each learner. I hold all students to the highest expectations and believe that all children are capable of success.... My philosophy is centered around the core concept of teaching children how to be problem solvers. They need to know how to approach and think about any given problem. It is okay to make mistakes, as they are learning opportunities. Persistence and confidence in oneself as a learner are the key skills to ensure success in life.
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelors, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- PARCC
- AIMS
- ISEE
- +35 subjects
Heather: MAP course instructor
...and Nevada state proficiency exams. I am most passionate about teaching psychology, English/writing, reading, and elementary/middle school math. My individual teaching style is flexible, as I feel it is necessary to cater towards a students unique learning style and needs. I believe confidence and self-efficacy play pivotal roles in a students acquisition of knowledge and ability to learn new concepts. I believe it is crucial to provide encouragement, reinforcement, and support to help students realize...
Education & Certification
- University of Nevada- Las Vegas - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of Nevada-Las Vegas - Masters, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- TOPS
- PSAT
- SSAT
- +177 subjects
Dolores: MAP course instructor
...living in the Avondale neighborhood. I have always wanted to help students improve as much as possible. Whether it be through a 15 minute conversation or hour long class, I prioritize building connections. Building positive relationships is essential in engaging a student in academic work. Math can be a tough subject to master, I like helping students see that arithmetic is not so scary. In fact, they can love it like Cady from Mean Girls,...
Education & Certification
- Northeastern Illinois University - Bachelor in Arts, History Teacher Education
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- GED
- +88 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of North Carolina at Asheville - Bachelor in Arts, Mass Communications
- Western Carolina University - Certificate, Middle School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- PSAT
- Geometry
- PSAT Critical Reading
- +8 subjects
Regina: MAP course instructor
...Howard University and a Masters of Business Administration. I am currently pursuing my Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration. I have over a decade of teaching experience in Elementary Education. I am currently homeschooling my six children and tutoring students. I also have led a youth development program working with grades 3-12 in academic enrichment. When I tutor I teach to the students learning style. I like to give students adequate time to practice and...
Education & Certification
- Howard University - Bachelor of Science, Human Development and Family Studies
- American InterContinental University-Atlanta - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- CogAT
- SSAT
- COMPASS
- +156 subjects
Rita: MAP course instructor
...currently teach 8th grade English. Before teaching, I was an undergraduate student at Baylor University in Waco, TX. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Music Education in 1994 (I was a violin major). Several years down the road in 2007, I decided to go through the Master's program offered by PISD at the time, and I graduated with a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. My philosophy of teaching is to value the commitment...
Education & Certification
- Baylor University - Bachelor of Science, Music Teacher Education
- University of North Texas - Master of Science, Curriculum and Instruction
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- Middle School Reading
- Elementary School Writing
- Other
- +15 subjects
Meagan: MAP course instructor
...students in Math, Science, and Reading and decided to continue my love of teaching into higher level courses. I currently tutor in the above topics, with a specific passion for Biology, Chemistry, and test preparation. As a tutor, I strive to challenge students beyond fundamentals, while focusing on and accommodating individual needs and individual learning styles. As an sewing and crafting enthusiast, I understand that with practice, tenacity, and perseverance comes success, a lesson I...
Education & Certification
- Chamberlain University - Bachelor of Science, Nursing (RN)
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- HSPT
- PSAT
- ACT
- +81 subjects
Caroline: MAP course instructor
...ignite curiosity, and help students unlock their full potential. With a passion for personalized learning, I adapt my teaching approach to suit each student's unique needs, making even the most challenging subjects approachable and engaging. I pride myself on creating a supportive, interactive environment where students feel empowered to ask questions, embrace challenges, and celebrate their progress. Beyond academic success, I focus on fostering critical thinking and lifelong learning skills, equipping students for future endeavors....
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Dallas - Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- WPPSI
- ECAA
- Eleven Plus English
- +1415 subjects
hannah: MAP course instructor
...of conducting and teaching my own courses, providing a personalized and engaging learning experience for my students. Currently, I am pursuing a psychology and forensics major with a 3.2 GPA. This combination of disciplines has given me a unique perspective on understanding the human mind and behavior, which I incorporate into my tutoring approach. I am dedicated to helping students reach their full potential and fostering a love for learning. I believe in creating a...
Education & Certification
- Louisiana State University Eunice - Bachelor of Science, Counseling Psychology
Subject Expertise
- MAP
- UK Key Stage 1 SATs
- UK GCSE
- PSAT
- +194 subjects