The measure of a good school is not simply that it achieves excellence in one area but that it shows continued progress across many areas.  One example of our school's growth is reflected in the latest MAPs assessment results.  The MAP assessment, Measure of Academic Progress, has tested Amana students from K-8^th grade in Reading, English Language Arts, and Math since 2008. 

We are proud to announce that in our sixth testing season, we continue to outperform the National norms in practically all subjects and grade levels!   In fact, an analysis of our latest MAP results show that Amana students have made further gains this school year than any of our previous years!  For a more detailed explanation of Amana's MAP assessment program and its advantages, please read below.

Be sure to check the Amana website on a regular basis for the latest information on school events, special programs, clubs and enrichment opportunities...

Our next PIE meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 25^th from 2:00-3:00 pm.  This is a great time to learn about all of our upcoming events, meet committee coordinators, and voice your input!   We look forward to seeing you then!  If you have any questions, would like to learn mor about Amana's parent association or to find out about volunteer opportunities, please visit our PIE pages or contact Khadeejah Farooq, our Volunteer Support Coordinator.

We want our students to do the best they can on the CRCT in April.  For those needing an extra boost, CRCT preparation will be available Monday-Thursday from 3:30-4:30 pm starting on Feb. 1st.  Mon/Wed will be Math, and Tues/Thurs will be Reading/ELA. 

Parents whose children are already enrolled in the Afterschool Program have the option of having their children transferred to the CRCT Prep classroom with no additional fees.  Parents whose children are NOT already in Afterschool will need to complete the registration form (available on our website starting Friday Jan 21) and submit this to the front office by January 28^th.  Course materials will be an additional fee (CRCT Coach workbooks).  Register now to secure your child's space!   For more information, please contact Mrs. Jelena Naim, Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

MAP assessments are created by a respected non-profit educational organization and have been administered both nationally and internationally for over 30 years; currently it tests 3 million students annually.  As a member of the MAP network, we compare our students with national standards, have access to state-of-the-art computer-adaptive tests, and receive a variety of high-quality results reports which inform instruction in a much more targeted manner.

Like the ITBS (Iowa Test of Basic Skills), the MAP test scores compare students nationwide.  However, the MAP test is aligned with Georgia standards, unlike the ITBS, so it is more applicable to the real learning that is happening in a child's grade level.  Similarly, like the CRCT (Criterion Referenced Competency Test), the MAP test gauges how much of a subject or skill a student knows.  However, the unit of measurement for the MAP test is unchanging, so as your child grows in knowledge, the RIT score grows proportionally.  This is in contrast to the CRCT, which has a scoring system that equates to a different level of knowledge each year.  A student passes any grade with an 800, but it is not clear what growth the child has made from year to year because 800 equates to a different level of knowledge at each grade.  It is important, although sometimes difficult, to understand academic growth, because it is important for students to continue to learn, even if their performance is above grade level. 

MAP scores can be used to measure academic growth, and whether growth is faster or slower than the "mean" growth for that grade level.  It is important to compare year-to-year growth numbers (i.e. Spring-to-Spring is the best comparison).  If your child is above or below grade level performance, it is important to look at the growth numbers for that grade level.

MAP is aligned with GA Performance Standards, but is preferable to the two tests mentioned above for several reasons.  First, as a computer test, it is much more appealing to children.  MAP tests are adaptive, so students don't waste time with questions that are too easy or too difficult; it adjusts to each child's unique level quickly.  Also, the results are reported within 24 hours, unlike paper-and-pencil test results which takes weeks to receive.  Finally, the resulting reports offer much more actionable data so that teachers can immediately use the score to further improve their students' learning.  The reports, for example, sort students into ability groupings for every strand of Math, Reading, or Writing skills.  The reports also provide the "learning targets" that were mastered by each child, so that teachers and parents can know what lessons to advance and which to reteach.

Our Fulton County Board of Education has become aware of Amana's use of the MAP test, and is in contact with us and with the testing organization to gain further information with the possible goal of replacing the ITBS with the more researched and up-to-date MAP assessments.  We will keep you posted on these developments.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.

Best regards,

Jelena Naim

jnaim@amanaacademy.org

Director of Curriculum & Instruction

Of course, if you ever have any questions or concerns, please contact your child's teacher directly, or any one of our administrative team members or Governing Board members.  We're all interested in hearing from you at any time you need or want to speak with us.  Amana's main number is (678) 624-0989 and you may also find email contact information for all of our faculty and staff by visiting the Amana Staff Directory.