i-Ready, MAP & STAR: Which Test Is Best for Your Child?

Schools across the U.S. use i-Ready, MAP Growth, and STAR Renaissance to track student progress in Math and Reading. Districts usually decide which test is given, so parents cannot choose freely. The key difference is access: while MAP Growth and STAR are school-based (with MAP allowing limited homeschool options), i-Ready can also be taken outside of school through authorized providers like Think Academy.

Understanding how these tests work—and what the scores mean—helps families better interpret results, talk with teachers, and plan learning strategies.

Quick Summary for Busy Parents

• i-Ready (K–8, some K–12): Adaptive diagnostic plus personalized Math & Reading lessons, given 2–3 times per year. Available in schools and through authorized providers such as Think Academy. Reports include scale scores (100–800), placement levels, and domain performance.
• MAP Growth (K–12): Norm-referenced adaptive test in Math, Reading, Language Usage, and optional Science. Given 2–3 times per year. Reports include RIT scores (140–300), percentile ranks, and growth goals. School-based only, with limited homeschool access via providers like Homeschool Boss.
• STAR Renaissance (K–12): Short adaptive tests (15–30 minutes), often monthly. Reports show scaled scores (0–1400), percentiles, and grade equivalents. Strictly school-based; no direct external option.

i-Ready Diagnostic

What it covers

• Math: Numbers & Operations, Algebra, Geometry, Measurement & Data
• Reading: Vocabulary, Literature, Informational Text, Foundational Skills
• Adaptive: Difficulty adjusts after each response
• Unique: Provides personalized lessons after the diagnostic

Format & Scheduling

• 100% online (Chromebooks, iPads, PCs)
• 30–75 minutes per subject
• Administered 2–3 times per year (BOY, MOY, EOY)

Scores

• Scale score: 100–800
• Reports show Scale score and detailed Score Placement
• Growth trend across windows is the best indicator of progress

 For more information, see:

• i-Ready FAQs: Complete Guide for First-Time Takers
• i-Ready Diagnostic: Score Access, Interpretation, and Improvement

MAP Growth

What it covers

• Subjects: Math, Reading, Language Usage, optional Science
• Adaptive: Adjusts difficulty after each answer
• Reports: RIT scores, percentiles, growth projections

Format & Scheduling

• Online, 45–60 minutes per subject
• Administered 2–3 times per year

Scores

• RIT scale: 140–300
• Example: Grade 5 Math average ≈ 211; 230+ ≈ 90th percentile (advanced)
• Used for growth monitoring and gifted placement decisions

Access

• School-based only; not for direct parent purchase
• Homeschool families can use providers like Homeschool Boss

 For more information, see:

NWEA MAP Growth Family Toolkit

STAR Renaissance

What it covers

• Subjects: Reading, Math, Language, optional Early Literacy/Science
• Adaptive, short (15–30 minutes)

Format & Scheduling

• Online, often given monthly for progress checks
• Frequently paired with Accelerated Reader (for reading practice)

Scores

• Scaled score: 0–1400
• Bella’s score of 613 on the Star Reading test results in a placement in Level 2, below the target of Level 3.
• Best for tracking short-term progress

Access

• Strictly school-based; no parent purchase option

 For more information, see:

Renaissance STAR Assessments Guide

Comparison at a Glance

Use this one-view graphic to compare grade spans, schedules, score systems in each program.

Understanding Score Benchmarks

What counts as a “good score” depends on grade level and growth:

• i-Ready: On-level = meeting grade expectations. Above-level may suggest readiness for acceleration.
• MAP Growth: At/above national average = on track; 80th–90th percentile = advanced.
• STAR: Focus on percentile trends across months. Example: Grade 5 Reading score 700+ indicates advanced placement.

Test	Score Scale	On-Level Example	Advanced Example	Official Benchmark	Officia Report Demo
i-Ready	100–800	Grade 3 Math ≈ 440–500	Grade 3 student scoring 550+	i-Ready Diagnostic Grades K–12 Scale Score Placement Tables	How to Interpret i-Ready Scores
MAP Growth	140–300 (RIT)	Grade 5 Reading ≈ 205	Grade 5 Reading ≥ 220 (~85th percentile)	Normative Data & RIT Scores	Achievement Status & Growth Report (Web Demo)
STAR	0–1400	40th percentile = on track	75th–90th percentile	Star Family Report	Star Assessment Reports – Overview

Where Are These Tests Used?

• i-Ready: Los Angeles USD, Culver City USD, Torrance USD, Glendale USD, and many districts in Texas, Florida, and New Jersey
• MAP Growth: Chicago Public Schools in Illinois, Seattle in Washington, Clark County in Nevada, KIPP, Success Academy, and many private schools
• STAR Renaissance: Over 60,000 schools nationwide; especially common in Texas, Florida, and Georgia; often paired with Accelerated Reader

Popular Platforms to Prepare

Students don’t need to cram, but some practice helps build comfort:

• i-Ready: Sign in via Login Portal or Clever
• MAP Growth: Sign in via Nwea
• STAR Renaissance: Sign in via Welcome Portal
• Canvas LMS: Canvas often serves as a hub linking to all three.

Choosing the Right Test

Districts decide which test is given; parents rarely choose. However, understanding the differences among i-Ready, MAP Growth, and STAR Renaissance helps families make sense of the reports, collaborate effectively with teachers, and plan meaningful enrichment.

While i-Ready, MAP Growth, and STAR Renaissance all measure student progress, they serve different purposes. i-Ready blends diagnostics with instruction, MAP Growth provides national benchmarking, and STAR offers frequent monitoring.

For additional testing:

• i-Ready: Combines diagnostics with personalized instruction and is available through authorized providers such as Think Academy.

With Think Academy’s support—including official i-Ready diagnostics available outside school schedules—families can turn test results into a roadmap for academic success.

How Think Academy Can Help

Understand your child’s math level and take the right next steps. Our i-Ready package includes:

• Official i-Ready Diagnostic on the trusted school platform
• Detailed report on strengths and weaknesses
• One-on-one score interpretation with expert teachers
• Personalized study plan to close gaps and get ready for placement exams

Special Price: $19.9 (until Sept 30)

Regular Price: $29.9

Perfect for Grade 5–6 families preparing for middle school placement.

Book your i-Ready Diagnostic Package today

About Think Academy

Think Academy, a leading K–12 math education provider wholly owned by TAL Education Group, is dedicated to helping students build strong mathematical foundations and critical thinking. Our structured curriculum provides multiple course levels designed to accommodate students with diverse academic goals and proficiency levels, ensuring targeted and effective learning experiences. Supported by advanced teaching methods, expert instructors, and innovative AI technology, Think Academy consistently demonstrates excellence, trustworthiness, and proven expertise in mathematics education.

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