Tuesday 8 September 2020

MAP Testing Strikes Again!

 By Jirawan Tritham

 

On Tuesday, Sept 2nd, the upper floors of the Harbor were filled with nervous chattering and lockers opening and closing. It was the dreaded week of MAP testing for the freshmen and sophomores. Coming back from a long weekend of celebrating Merdeka, an air of laziness mixed with panic permeated the environment.

Unsure freshmen whispered in groups on the top floor of the Harbor. Many rushed to grab books and hoodies to prepare for the nightmarish 2-hour test. The more experienced sophomores stood around coolly on the second floor, checking their phones and cracking light jokes.

MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) Testing was a tiring ordeal that Dalat students of all ages must experience, unless you were a junior or senior. Students missed multiple blocks from their school day to take an online computer test. The tests consisted of multiple-choice questions in subjects like math, science, and reading. It was an aptitude test that allowed students and their teachers to view their progress as they gained knowledge over the years.

In two days, the horrendous MAP Testing was over! Once again, the relaxed and cheerful atmosphere of Dalat returned. Laughter and screaming were heard again on all floors of the Harbor.

As high schoolers gathered on the Deck to buy snacks, Chika Tsumagari (10) commented on her nerve-racking experience of the MAP test and said, “I got an easy question, and I started sweating.”

Standing next to Chika, Dominic Cheang (10) chimed in and added that though MAP Testing was exhausting, it was also “helpful because you can see your progress from middle school to high school.”

Esther Lo (11), a junior who had already gladly left memories of MAP Testing behind, joined the discussion. She eagerly expressed her opinion and said, “I don’t miss MAP testing because my butt gets numb when I sit for too long.”

MAP Testing not only provides a helpful standard that allows teachers to view the progress of their students, but it is also a growing experience where students can learn to handle examination stress.

 

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