Portland Public Schools reports mixed midyear MAP growth; district outlines interventions

Portland Public Schools (Portland SD 1J) presented midyear results from the district's Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) assessments at the April 22 board meeting and described steps schools are taking to respond.

District leaders said math growth exceeded expectations across most grades this winter, while reading growth met but did not substantially exceed the district's 50% growth benchmark that indicates students are, on average, making at least the expected progress toward grade-level standards. The district also reported persistent variation in growth by race, English-language status and disability status.

Chief of Equity and Accountability Dr. Adams led the MAP presentation and said the data come from the winter assessment window (Jan. 6'Feb. 14) and therefore represent midyear growth. Chief Academic Officer Christina Howard and Senior Director of Schools Dr. Isaac Cardona described how schools analyze those results and adjust supports.

Why this matters: MAP measures growth (two scores in a single year) as distinct from state test proficiency. District staff stressed that a large share of students may be showing growth yet remain below grade level; sustained, above-expected growth across years is needed for students to reach grade-level standards.

Key findings and timeline - The winter MAP window was conducted Jan. 6'Feb. 14; MAP enables midyear growth measurement…