Setting Up for Testing (2024)

Before you can test, you’ll need to set up your headsets and testing devices. This page will explain how to do that. What would you like to do?

Set up iPad devices
Set up headsets
Complete a practice test
Set up computers or Chromebook devices
Check if equipment is set up properly
Solve problems with headsets

Device requirements for MAP Reading Fluency

For most devices, you conduct testing with an approved browser (website is student.mapnwea.org). However, testing on an iPad requires an app.

Note: The operating system and browser requirements specified in the table below are applicable after the July 2024 software release.

Device	Operating System	Chrome	Microsoft Edge
PC	Windows^®10	Yes	Yes
Mac^®	macOS^® 12 minimum	Yes	No
Chromebook™	Google Chrome™ OS 120 minimum	Yes	No
iPad^® (not iPad mini)	iPadOS^® 16 minimum	No—use MAP Reading Fluency Testing App

Browser versions supported

Chrome 120 minimum
Microsoft Edge 120 minimum

iPad testing app

To prepare iPad devices for testing, install the MAPReading Fluency Testing App, which automatically opens to the student testing site in full-screen mode.

Access: In the App Store^®, search for “MAP Reading Fluency.”
Distribution:If desired, you can use a mobile device management tool, such as the Apple^® Profile Manager. If needed, use the Bundle ID:org.nwea.map-reading-fluency.

Important:Before testing, ensure you have the latest app because changes occur regularly and you must use the latest version. For news on updates, see the Product Updates page at nwea.force.com/nweaconnection/.

Setting up headsets

All MAP Reading Fluency tests require each student to use a headset with a boom microphone. Built-in computer microphones and headsets with an inline microphone on the headset cord are not supported.

While NWEA does not recommend specific headset brands, we have the following recommendations for choosing headsets:

Over the ear, rather than earbuds
Passive noise-canceling
Boom microphone
USB connection preferred for computer desktops and laptops; 3.5 mm jacks can be used for Chromebook and iPad devices

Before testing, connect the headsets to each device that you plan to use for testing and make sure that your headsets are set as the default device for both audio output and input. You’ll also perform a hardware check within MAP Reading Fluency. See below and watch the video for instructions. You should also review the system requirements to ensure that your devices meet the minimum standards.

Setup overview:

Setting headsets as default device

Make sure that the headset is the default device for both recording and playback.

Tell me how . . .

Windows: Open the Sound control panel by right-clicking the Windows icon and choosing Control Panel, then Hardware and Sound, then Sound. Check the Playback and Recording tabs and make sure that the headset is chosen as the default device. The default device will have a green check mark next to it.
Mac: The Sound control panel is under System Preferences. Check the Output and Input tabs and make sure that the headset is chosen as the default device. Make sure the “mute” checkbox next to the Volume slider is not selected.

Chromebook and iPad devices should recognize and use your headsets automatically. You can still check if they are the default device.

Chromebook: Click on the system tray, then click on the headset icon next to the Volume slider. Make sure that the headset is chosen under both Output and Input.
iPad: Swipe up from the bottom edge of any screen on the iPad to open the Control Center. Tap and hold the Audio card (square in the upper-right corner), then tap the icon to see your devices. Choose your headset in the list of devices that you can connect.

Performing a hardware check

Note:MAP Reading Fluency requires either a Chrome browser or Microsoft Edge browser for viewing reports and either a Chrome browser, Microsoft Edge browser, or iPad application for student testing.

On each machine used for testing, you should check the equipment before you test.

Click the Hardware Check link that appears when the app is launched, before the student login.

From student site (student.mapnwea.org)		From teacher site (start.mapnwea.org)
	– or

From the Check Equipment area, check the headset output, record test audio, and play the recorded audio back. Use a normal speaking voice. If the volume is too low or too high, you’ll see a message indicating the problem. Adjust your volume through your system settings.

Allow the browser to use the microphone if you are asked. Depending on your school security and browser settings, you may need to repeat this step.

See also Resolving Headset Issues.

Practice tests

At any time, students can get familiar with MAP Reading Fluency by taking the unscored practice tests. There are two practice test options, which can be taken in either English or Spanish:

Foundational Skills
Oral Reading

For either practice test, allow 5 to 10 minutes for students to complete the different types of questions.

How to access the practice tests

Open the regular testing site:https://student.mapnwea.org.
Type the username and password.

For more information, see Assigning Passwords.
Choose Practice:
Choose either English or Español, depending on your needs:
Choose either practice test option, Foundational Skills or Oral Reading:
For students taking the Practice Test in Spanish, choose from either Destrezas fundamentales or Lectura oral.