Express Your Feelings About MAP

To: MNEA Secondary School Teachers
From: Walt Brown Coordinator, Curriculum & Assessment
Date: October 31, 2006
RE: MNEA Focus Groups

We at DESE are seeking better understanding of the impact of the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) on our schools and communities. To that end, we have asked the Assessment Resource Center (ARC) to investigate the intended and unintended consequences of MAP testing in Missouri. As part of this consequential validity study, ARC will be conducting focus group discussions throughout the state, seeking the views of people working in or affected by elementary and secondary education.

I’m asking that you participate in one of two teacher focus groups during the MNEA State Convention in Jefferson City. Your opinions will provide quite valuable input as we analyze processes designed to improve the effectiveness and meaningfulness of MAP testing.

As a focus group participant, you’ll join nine other individuals for a 90-minute discussion of the MAP. A small team of ARC facilitators will guide the focus group process. You can expect the facilitator to begin by asking questions to stimulate conversation about testing. The most important product of the focus group will be the facilitators’ opportunity to hear and understand your distinctive perspective and views.

Although the discussion will be recorded, your anonymity will be preserved. All information gathered during the focus group will remain with ARC. ARC’s summary reports will inform us of the overall opinions of focus group participants but will not reveal or in any way indicate your individual identity.

All focus groups will take place at the MNEA meeting site. In order to hear views from throughout the state, we will only have one teacher per school.

To participate in a focus group, or for more information, contact Paula McFarling at ARC at 800-366-8232, mcfarlingp@missouri.edu.

A message from Paula:

We need 8 more teachers, any subject, in grades 9-12. We especially need to hear from a P.E. teacher. We have filled our need for special education, middle school, and elementary teachers.

You must call or email ahead of time to receive verification that you will be the person representing your district.

High School Teachers, Grades 9-12
Thursday, November 9th, Jefferson City, MO
6:30 to 7:00 – Light dinner, desserts, beverages
7:00 to 8:30 – Discussion

Please let us know: Name, Phone, Grade, Subject, School, and District

Deadline November 3rd
mcfarlingp@missouri.edu.