Why TIS Students Take the MAP Test

At Thai International School (TIS), we are committed to giving our students every opportunity to grow, succeed, and shine. One of the ways we do this is by participating in the Measurement of Academic Progress (MAP) test, a globally recognized assessment developed by NWEA in the United States.

What is the MAP Test?

The MAP test is a computer-adaptive assessment designed to measure a child’s progress in key academic areas. At TIS:

• Kindergarten students take the MAP test twice per year in English language and mathematics.

• Grade 1–5 students take the test three times per year in language, reading, mathematics, and science.

Because the test is adaptive, the questions adjust to each student’s responses, giving a personalized measure of learning growth rather than just a snapshot of what a child knows at one moment.

Celebrating Outstanding Achievements

We are incredibly proud of our students’ accomplishments on the MAP test:

• 2 TIS students achieved record-breaking math scores of 236 and 238—a remarkable achievement by global standards.

• Several students scored in the top 98th percentile worldwide in Language Arts and Math.

• Other students ranked in the top 97th percentile worldwide in Science.

• Entire classes demonstrated excellence, with some achieving a median percentile in the top 91st percentile globally.

These results highlight the strength of our curriculum, the dedication of our teachers, and the commitment of our students.

Why We Use MAP at TIS

MAP testing gives us valuable data to support learning in several ways:

• Tracking growth over time – Teachers can see how much progress each student is making, not just where they rank.

• Personalizing instruction – Results help us tailor lessons, so each child is challenged at the right level.

• Benchmarking internationally – Because MAP is taken by millions of students worldwide, we can compare our students’ growth and achievement with peers across the globe.

Why Parents Shouldn’t Worry About Scores

While we celebrate these top achievements, it is important for parents to understand that the MAP test is just one part of a child’s learning journey. Every child develops at their own pace, and test scores do not capture creativity, character, teamwork, or the many other strengths that make up a well-rounded student.

A lower score today does not define a child’s future potential. Instead, it provides teachers with insights to better support individual needs. Growth over time is what truly matters, and at TIS, we focus on helping each student move forward from where they are.

Our Commitment

At TIS, assessments like MAP are not about competition—they are about growth, guidance, and giving each child the tools to thrive. Whether a student is in the 98th percentile or steadily building confidence step by step, we value and support their unique learning journey.