With ELA MAP testing in session until April 6, and math testing starting on April 24, the administration has opted to provide incentives for students to remain motivated. 

“It’s testing season, so we wanted to put something tangible behind these tests so that students can earn something,” Assistant Principal Cameron Reohm said. “It just gives them something to strive for. If students aren’t looking at it because it isn’t for a grade, which is a legit concern, then it gives them something to try for. With this, you’re getting real prizes and the opportunity to get out of class [with a party].”

Rewards will go to not only those who score the highest, but to anyone who accumulates the most amount of growth points. 

“Even when we told them that you have to get a certain score if they want to take AP Human Geography or honors courses, they just didn’t seem to care,” English 9 teacher Corrina Terry said. “When I saw the flyer about motivation, I was thrilled. I’m hoping that they’ll keep doing this next year so that we can keep motivating them. Some students need incentives to keep them going.”

Students are looking forward to possibly receiving rewards, and are predicting that they will produce greater results.

“Since there’s a reward, I’m more motivated to try and focus on the test,” sophomore Jordan Vallesteros said. “I think there’s going to be an improvement because before there really wasn’t a reason to put effort into it. If we have a reason to be motivated, we won’t be bored and distracted the whole time.”

While these tests do not impact a student’s grades, they are crucial for counselors and teachers to understand what classes to recommend or what skills to reassess.

“I know it doesn’t count for a grade, but those scores stay with you for the rest of your high school career,” Terry said. “They really help your freshman and sophomore teachers and counselors decide what class you need to be in, and what will be the most beneficial to you. We worry about if students are going to be bored in a regular class because their Lexile is too high, or maybe if they shouldn’t be in a higher level class.”

Depending on the outcome of class results and changes in the tests next year, more incentives and rewards may be in store for future MAP sessions. 

“We have a really great and achieving school here,” Reohm said. “We want to see more growth compared to other schools, and that’s what we’re trying to do with all this MAP testing.”