DreamBox Math Assignments: NWEA FAQs

This article provides an overview of how NWEA and DreamBox Math Assignments work together, how to create an assignment aligned with NWEA scores, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) about NWEA assignments.

 

NWEA Assignment Basics

What are NWEA Assignments?

Teachers can create Math assignments using NWEA Map Growth™ data to automatically deliver differentiated lessons to selected students or groups based on each student's current understanding of the topic.

How do NWEA-based Assignments work?

After a teacher creates an assignment using the NWEA Score, DreamBox Math presents lessons aligned with the RIT score range, taking into account the content in which a student has already shown proficiency. DreamBox Math will deliver a differentiated assignment to each student for up to ten weeks based on their understanding, so each student will have a unique and personalized learning experience. 

Support Icons_Tip Box_50px.png

Note:

  • If the NWEA feature is not yet enabled, this feature can be added to teacher settings. Click here to open instructions on how to add this from the Class Settings tab. 
  • After enabling the NWEA assessment option, the student data will need to be manually entered to create an assignment.

 

Create An Assignment Aligned with the NWEA Assessment

  • From the Home page, click Add Assignment in the top-right corner.

Home Page_Add Assignments.png

  • Select NWEA Score.

Assignments_Select NWEA.png

  • Select the MAP Growth Test grade group.

Assignments_Select MAP Growth.png

  • Choose a Domain.

Assignments_Select NWEA Domain.png

  • In the RIT Score Range column, select the score range or type a score.

Assignments_Select RIT Score.png

  • Follow this for all of the students who will receive the assignment. When you are finished, Click Add Assignment  in the bottom-left corner of the page.

How will students know a lesson has been assigned?

Assignment lessons are highlighted by a blue star icon based on the assignment length.

Short-Term Assignment Long-Term Assignment
image.png image.png
Support Icons_Tip Box_50px.png
  • Students playing in the K-2nd grade learning environment may need to pick up a backpack for the assigned lesson to appear.
  • Students playing in the 3rd-5th grade or 6th-8th grade environments may need to complete an existing lesson before the new lesson will appear on their Lesson Chooser.

 

FAQs: NWEA and DreamBox Math Assignments 

Q: What RIT Score Range does DreamBox recommend selecting for an assignment?

A: Since students learn and grow over time, it is best practice to create an assignment that uses NWEA MAP Growth assessment results as soon as possible after receiving the students’ scores. Based on the most recent NWEA MAP Growth assessment data, DreamBox recommends creating an assignment within the RIT Score Range of the students’ current score in a domain, as this is a measure of what the student is ready to learn. For example, if a student’s latest score was 282 within the Number and Operations domain, an educator should assign the RIT score range of 281-290. 
 

Q: Will a teacher be able to see if a student is achieving success in the domain that supports the RIT score range when using the Assignments feature?

A: Yes, in the Long-Term Assignments reporting, educators are easily able to see if their students are showing proficiency for lessons that are aligned within that domain for the assignment. Teachers will be able to view student activity and progress within the assigned domain and RIT range in the Assignments tab, including the ability to play the lessons their students are working on. 
 

Q: Can districts or schools automatically import students’ NWEA MAP Growth scores into DreamBox Math?

A: No, it is not possible to import MAP Growth scores into DreamBox Math at this time.
 

Q: Does this new capability affect DreamBox Math’s coherent learning pathways?

A: DreamBox Math maintains our coherent, rigorous learning pathways through the alignment of the RIT range scores so that students still receive content that they are ready to learn while adhering to the proven sequence of the DreamBox curriculum.
 

Q: Are you planning to partner with other summative assessment or testing companies?

A: As always, we will consider your input and customer feedback regarding adding alignments to additional interim assessments.  As that feedback is received, we will evaluate and prioritize adding additional print programs against other priorities.
 

Q: After creating the assignment, my students received lessons that appeared to be below the level I thought they were. Is this normal?

A: DreamBox Math will initially present lessons that align to the lower RIT Scores within the assigned ranges as defined by NWEA unless the student has already demonstrated proficiency within DreamBox Math. If your student(s) are finding the content easy, they will move through the foundational knowledge within the learning pathway that leads to the RIT range outcomes lessons quickly as the program will adapt them forward and present them with more challenging material. When creating an assignment, it may be helpful to let your students know that they may see some review lessons before receiving more challenging content and encourage them to complete them to the best of their ability. 
 

Q: Once I've created an NWEA assignment, can I go back and edit it?

A: No, not at this time. However, you can 'cancel' the assignment created for single or multiple students at any time and make a new one that better fits your criteria. Student progress made through the assignment will not be lost if the assignment is canceled, but the student will no longer see the assigned lessons on their Lesson Chooser.

Updated

Was this article helpful?

4 out of 4 found this helpful