Purpose of Assessment
To help create the best match between a student's academic needs and the learning environment, some Center for Talent Development (CTD) courses have admission requirements. Standardized test scores are one method families can use to demonstrate readiness to succeed in the selected course.
Because many students, particularly young children, do not have the opportunity for testing within their schools, CTD offers testing. The testing done by CTD is not a general psychological evaluation. It provides a "snapshot" of a student's academic achievement and readiness for the CTD learning environment.
Any child from PreK through grade 9 may register for the Measures of Academic Progress (NWEA MAP). In general, students older than grade 3 are encouraged to consider above-grade-level assessment unless they are new to standardized testing or do not have access to grade-level-testing. Contact ctd-assessment@northwestern.edu for details. For remote testing, see the Technology Requirements section.
For very young children, we recommend that parents wait until their child is showing some familiarity with letters and numbers since a major portion of the test battery will assess achievement in these areas. Since the test is given on a computer or tablet, students must also be proficient on the technology that will be used for the test.
CTD does offer courses during the academic year and during the summer that that do not require test scores for participation, so please check the course description for the course to which you are applying for any eligibility requirements. This will help you determine what is needed to complete the application.
Please note that successful completion of an open-enrollment course, such as the Online Family Program, does not qualify a student to enroll in future CTD courses as a pre-qualified participant. Students who complete a CTD open-enrollment course will be required to apply as a new student with test scores or an admission portfolio applicant when applying for courses with eligibility criteria.
Because of the requirements of remote testing for MAP, there are limited days and times available for testing. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
All remote MAP testing dates are available on the CTD Events calendar.
Cost for Testing
Cost is $125, which is paid via credit card during the registration process.
Important Information Before You Register
Please note the following before registering for a remote MAP test:
- To participate in remote MAP assessment, the student must have a parent or guardian present at all times during the testing session.
- Testing requires an iPad or Chromebook for students in K-grade 2. Students in grades 3-9 may use a desktop or laptop computer. (See Technology Requirements section for details.) A second device (phone, laptop, tablet, etc.) needs to be available to host the Zoom video session.
- Families must provide headphones for students in K-grade 2 to use during the test.
- This test experience is designed for students who can work independently on the technology with minimal guidance or assistance. Because of the virtual environment, the proctor from CTD will have limited ability to assist students and families with technology issues.
- If the student is not technology proficient or has never participated in an organized school or class environment, this format for testing may not be optimal.
To register for MAP testing, you will need to create a new account in MyCTD, which is CTD's online system, or login to your existing account. After you create a student profile or select a currently existing student profile, click "Register for Testing".
If you need to change or cancel your appointment, you will need to call 847/467-1575 or e-mail ctd-assessment@northwestern.edu and a CTD staff member will assist you. Please see the section below on Changes, Cancellations, and Refunds for related policies.
If your child has an identified disability that requires accommodation or if you have questions about the test environment and your child's needs, contact CTD for assistance. Please call 847/467-1575 or e-mail ctd-assessment@northwestern.edu to speak with a staff member.
Remote MAP administration requires the following technology:
Required for Students K - Grade 2
iPad
- Testing requires an iPad that runs iOS 12 or 13 (minimum 9).
- A second device (phone, laptop, tablet, etc.) needs to be available to host the Zoom session.
- The user must download the secure testing app from NWEA OR use the secure testing URL.
- Families must provide headphones for the student to use during the test.
Chromebook
- Testing requires a Chromebook running Google Chrome OS 65 minimum, 78+ suggested.
- A second device (phone, laptop, tablet, etc.) needs to be available to host the Zoom session.
- The user must download the secure testing app from NWEA OR use the secure testing URL.
- Families must provide headphones for the student to use during the test.
Required for Students Grades 3 or higher
Students in grades 3 through 9 may use an iPad or Chromebook but may also use the following technology:
- Mac computer that runs MacOS 10.12 minimum, 10.13 suggested and the NWEA Secure Browser for Mac
- Windows PC that runs Windows 7, 8.1, or 10 and the NWEA Secure Browser for PC
This test experience is designed for students who can work independently on the machine with minimal guidance or assistance. Because of the virtual environment, the proctor from CTD will have limited ability to assist students and families with technology issues.
If the student is not technology proficient or has never participated in an organized school or class environment, this format for testing is not advised.
If you need to change a test registration, you will need to call 847/467-1575 or e-mail ctd-assessment@northwestern.edu to change your registration. Once a test session has been confirmed, a $25 change fee will apply.
If CTD needs to change or cancel a test date or time (tester illness, system maintenance, etc.), you will be contacted as soon as possible via phone or email. A CTD staff member will work with you to reschedule the test. If a test cannot be rescheduled, a refund will be provided.
Any request to cancel a registration and receive a full refund must be made in writing a minimum of 72 hours prior to the scheduled test date. E-mail the request to ctd-assessment@northwestern.edu. Cancellations made within 72 hours of a test date, but before the date of testing, are subject to a processing fee of $25.
No shows and test day cancellations are not eligible for any refund.
Refunds may take up to eight weeks to process.
For more information and assistance with selecting the correct test for your child, contact the CTD admissions and pathways advising office at ctd-admissions@northwestern.edu.
