MAP stands for Missouri Assessment Program. It is a series of assessments for English language arts, mathematics and science at grades 3-8; and English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies in high school. These assessments are designed to check student learning to find out if Missouri students are reaching the Show-Me Standards.

The Grade-Level assessments are made up of multiple-choice and machine-scored items, as well as "constructed response" items. Constructed response items require students to supply (rather than select) an appropriate response.

The MAP assessments are required in state law as part of the "Outstanding Schools Act," the state school-reform law enacted by the legislature in 1993. This law required the State Board of Education to adopt academic performance standards, which established the knowledge, skills and competencies necessary for students to "successfully advance through the public elementary and secondary education system of this state; lead to or qualify a student for high school graduation; and prepare students for postsecondary education or the workplace or both." These "Show-Me Standards" are guides for what students should know and be able to do. There are 40 knowledge standards and 33 performance standards. 

What can a parent or guardian do to help on test day?

• Be aware of the testing schedule.
• Be certain that your child has had adequate rest (this may mean getting them used to an earlier bed time before the week of testing).
• Be on time for school.
• Avoid scheduling appointments that can be made at a later date.
• Dress your child in layered clothing. This way, the child may add clothing to get warmer or remove some clothing to be cooler.
• Make sure your child has a book to read when the testing session is complete.
• Be certain that your child has two or more pencils
• Have a positive attitude about testing.
• Send school student Chromebook, Charger and Headphone on testing days.