Dip in grades/scores in 3rd grade?

[Anonymous]

My son’s academics seem like they went off a cliff this year. He went from straight A’s to a mix from A to Cs. His MAP-M went from 213 in the Spring of 2018 (end of 2nd grade) to a 191 in the Fall of ‘18. I chalked that up to a bad day/summer atrophy, but the winter MAP test he just took only went up 10 points, so is lower than what he got a year ago. He is somewhat afraid of his strict, sarcastic and intense teacher, and I think that general discomfortt may be a contributing factor. He’s overall a lot less interested in school and even reading, which he’s always loved. Anyone also expience anything like this? Any recommendations for how to handle? I’m thinking of requesting a conference with the teacher.

[Anonymous]

A lot of this could just be basic brain development

[Anonymous]

I'd talk to the teacher, because what the teacher says is probably going to be a lot more useful than any feedback you get on this forum.

[Anonymous]

In MCPS, they take MAP-P in K-2 and don’t take MAP-M until 3rd. Are you sure you’re comparing scores on the same test? A 10 point jump from fall MAP-M to winter MAP-M is good progress.

[Anonymous]

I do think it’s worth discussing falling grades with the teacher, even if the test scores are good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In MCPS, they take MAP-P in K-2 and don’t take MAP-M until 3rd. Are you sure you’re comparing scores on the same test? A 10 point jump from fall MAP-M to winter MAP-M is good progress.

This is true--it's not apples to apples. Also, MAP-P is read aloud to them and students have to read MAP-M themselves (unless they have a read to IEP or EL accommodation). I wouldn't be too concerned about the test scores. In the fall he was getting used to the new test and in the winter there was a jump in the right direction.

[Anonymous]

We had a huge drop in MAP scores this year and found a conference with the teacher to be very helpful. I'd reach out.

[Anonymous]

Talk to the teacher
Any ADHD or dyslexia in the family history?

[Anonymous]

My kid (who is very mathy - if that's a word) dropped 14 points from 2nd grade MAP-P to 3rd grade MAP-M. From our experience, it's not uncommon to see that sort of movement as the testing content changes significantly with the MAP-M. Kid still made it into the magnet program.

[Anonymous]

Agree a drop in MAP scores between 2nd and 3rd is normal. If you’re concerned about the size of the drop combined with the grades, I also agree it would be reasonable to ask for a meeting with the teacher.