Jefferson City High School students are taking the MAP test for the last time this week.
For high school students, the MAP test will soon be a thing of the past: eliminated from 10th and 11th grades starting next year. End of course exams will replace the MAP test in 2008. The State Board of Education hopes that the change in exams will boost test scores and encourage students to take the test more seriously.
Educators have long said that because MAP test scores don't count toward students' grades, students have given the test less than their best efforts.
"That's been one of the criticisms of the map test. Do the high school students really apply themselves when they take the map test," said Paula Hartsfield of Jefferson City Public Schools.
Now, education officials hope that end of course exams will make a difference in student performance. Students will earn grades on these exams in a variety of subjects. Those grades will factor into their grade point averages.
"Many youngsters are motivated by grades and GPA. Particularly those top 75% who are potentially college bound, they're very GPA conscious," said Principal Richard Pemberton.
Principal Pemberton of Jefferson City High School says students are actually in favor of end of course exams. He agrees with the theory that the new exams will boost test scores.
"I anticipate that if all the kids took it as seriously as we would want we would do extremely well," Pemberton said.
The academic year 2007-2008 will be the last for the MAP test. The test change only affects 10th and 11th grade students in Missouri. Elementary and middle school students will still take the MAP test.
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