Washoe County School District advocates for I Ready over MAP Growth assessment

In a pivotal meeting held on May 14, 2025, the Nevada State Board of Education gathered to discuss the future of student assessments, particularly focusing on the "Read by Grade 3" initiative. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as educators from the Washoe County School District (WCSD) passionately advocated for a shift from the state-mandated MAP Growth assessment to the I Ready platform, which they argue better meets the needs of students and teachers alike.

Casey Edgington, the early learning academic support coordinator for WCSD, opened the discussion by expressing strong support for allowing the district to opt out of MAP Growth for the 2025-2026 school year. He highlighted the benefits of I Ready, which has been in use for two years, stating that it provides immediate, actionable data that empowers educators to tailor instruction to individual student needs. Edgington emphasized that I Ready's detailed reporting across essential reading domains allows for more effective tracking of student progress and growth.

Echoing Edgington's sentiments, Don Angotti, WCSD's chief academic officer for elementary education, underscored the excessive burden of double testing on young learners. He pointed out that K-3 students currently face a staggering number of assessments, which detracts from valuable instructional time. Angotti argued that the state’s own selection committee had previously recommended a shift to I Ready, making the continued use of MAP Growth seem redundant and counterproductive.

The call for change was further supported by Gia Marasini, principal of MATTER Academy, who shared her experiences with I Ready. She noted that the platform's diagnostic tests allow for the creation of individualized learning goals, which are crucial for meeting students at their current levels and helping them progress. Marasini criticized the MAP assessment for not providing actionable insights, stating that it merely serves as a compliance tool without enhancing instructional practices.

Troy Parks, WCSD's chief academic officer for secondary education, reiterated the need for a unified assessment system that aligns with Nevada's educational standards. He argued that I Ready not only supports accountability but also provides educators with the necessary data to ensure all students are learning effectively.

As the meeting progressed, the board also heard from educators outside of Washoe County, including Michael O'Dowd from Pinecrest Academy, who urged the board to consider giving schools the choice between MAP and I Ready. O'Dowd emphasized that I Ready caters to all students, including those who are high achievers, and serves as a reliable predictor of performance on state assessments.

However, not all voices at the meeting were in favor of the proposed shift. Some educators expressed concerns about the potential disruption caused by changing assessment tools, emphasizing the importance of consistency in monitoring student growth and the challenges of transitioning to a new platform.

As the board deliberated, the discussions highlighted a critical crossroads for Nevada's educational assessment strategy. The outcome of this meeting could significantly impact how educators assess student literacy and tailor instruction in the coming years, ultimately shaping the educational landscape for Nevada's youngest learners. The board's decision will be closely watched by educators and stakeholders across the state, as they seek to balance accountability with the practical needs of teaching and learning.