By Leslie Collins
Northeast News
March 14, 2012

To further help students succeed on the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) tests, Kansas City Public Schools will host a series of workshops for parents in March and April at Manual Career Tech Center, 1215 E. Truman Rd.

“MAP testing is very important to students, but it’s also important to have the parents aware of what MAP testing means,” KCPS Public Relations Manager Andre Riley said. “If parents are engaged, they’re better equipped to help their students take the test.”

Each workshop will cover the same material but feature different key note speakers, he said.

During the workshops, parents will view a copy of a previous year’s MAP test and learn how MAP scores affect the district. In addition, they’ll learn about the value of Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and Annual Performance Reports (APR).

“They’ll get tips on how to prepare their students,” Riley said. “Most importantly, they’ll understand what specific things they need to emphasize to their students.”

That includes knowing what topics the test covers and the types of questions that will be asked.

For the first workshop, Monday, March 19, dinner and childcare will be provided free of charge. Subsequent workshops will include light refreshments.

Workshops will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and dates include Monday, March 19; Tuesday, March 27; Tuesday, April 3; and Tuesday, April 10.