Understand the MAP test scoring method. MAP testing uses the RIT scale (or Rasch Unit) to determine student scores. The NWEA explains that each question on the MAP test is matched with a value on the RIT Scale. The RIT Scale value is determined by the difficulty of the question. South Carolina's Dillon School District Two explains that RIT is an equal interval scale. This means that difference between scores is the same no matter what the student's test level. Once the test collects enough data, the student's academic level is determined and a RIT score is given.
Familiarize yourself with your student's scores. The NWEA reports that student MAP test scores are separated into four different subject areas: language, math, reading and science. Within each subject area, there are sub-categories. For example, within the language section there are the subcategories of composing, composition structure, basic grammar, punctuation and capitalization. Each student receives a score for each subject area test that they complete.
Use RIT Charts to better understand your student's abilities. The NWEA website provides parents, educators and students with charts that are meant to assist in explaining a student's level of understanding for each subject area. The charts are called RIT Charts. In order to use them, take the student's scores and match them with the correlating column in the chart. You can then assume that the student has the ability to answer all the questions in that column and a majority of the questions to the left of the column. You can also assume that the student is not yet able to answer the questions to the right of the column.