Achievement Unlocked: MAP Tomcat Fest FunAchievement Unlocked: MAP Tomcat Fest Fun

On March 20, hundreds of East Aurora students were invited to a special celebration to honor and acknowledge their achievement in growth on their MAP exam scores. The Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) suite of exams allows school districts, like D131, to measure and assess student achievement in areas like Reading and Math. Student scores are then measured against grade level expectations, and their peers taking the same exams, both in East Aurora, and also state and nationally. Every student is given a growth goal based on their Fall MAP score that they are encouraged to hit over the course of the school year. Students are MAP test typically three times a year: in the Fall, at the beginning of the year, at the midway point in the Winter, and lastly in the Spring to measure overall growth. 

MAP scores typically are used to assist students with course placement and opportunity, as well as to identify helpful interventions, This year, they were also used as a cause for celebration as students who hit their growth targets on their most recent MAP exams were invited to participate in EAHS’ inaugural MAP Achievement Tomcat Fest.

Honored students were invited down to the fieldhouse at the start of 8th period to partake in all manner of frivolity and fun. There were snacks and drinks and treats aplenty. Several students played pick up basketball or two-hand touch football. TVs were set up where students could watch the NCAA tournament or challenge each other in video game combat. There were also a variety of inflatables for the students to explore while classic rock blared in the background. MAP Achievement Tomcat Fest was a fun an innovative way to recognize student success and give them the opportunity to relax and cut loose headed in to Spring Break the following Week.