Response to Seattle MAP Test Boycott

Earlier this week we were introduced to a piece of news that we never could have imagined as students used to quarterly MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) testing: a school in Seattle, Washington has completely boycotted the test many schools take regularly. The MAP test is a tool created by the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) issued to a large number of schools in the US and international ones abroad. It helps educational institutions evaluate the success their curriculum has according to the results presented by the students.

40-50 minutes of click, click, click, click...

Garfield High School of Seattle has rejected the taking of this program, causing a slight disturbance in the company and between educators from other schools. Teachers, students, and parents came together to decide that their school would no longer force the kids to take these tests. Following is a YouTube video thoroughly describing the situation.

 News Report of the Situation (YouTube)

In my opinion, MAP tests should be totally optional for students to take. If not optional, then they should not even be issued to schools who do not wish to take them. Personally, I don't appreciate taking MAP tests and I do not see the educational value they have towards the student. Concluding, I think they're a waste of valuable school time. 

Of course, if every school who previously took the tests stopped, the company would loose money, causing an issue. I know this will never happen, though. Even though students don't benefit from this test, schools use it as a key tool in developing their curriculums to improve the results of their teachings.