Pleasant Hill CUSD #3 Celebrates Winter MAP Growth
February 13, 2026
At Pleasant Hill CUSD #3, we are proud of the academic growth our students demonstrated on the winter MAP assessment. While achievement levels are important, our primary focus is on student growth—how much progress students make over time—because growth shows the impact of effort, instruction, and perseverance.
Why We Focus on Growth
Achievement percentiles tell us how students compare nationally at a single point in time. Growth percentiles, however, tell us how much students improved compared to academic peers across the country. Growth reflects progress—and progress is something every student can control.
By focusing on growth:
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We celebrate improvement at every level.
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We encourage students to compete against their own past performance.
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We recognize the work students and teachers put in each day.
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We identify how to adjust instruction to meet student needs.
Winter Growth Highlights
📊 Math Growth: 46th Percentile
A 46th percentile growth in math means our students grew at nearly the national average compared to similar students across the country. In practical terms, this indicates steady academic progress and shows that instruction and interventions are helping students move forward. Consistent growth near the national average across a district reflects strong alignment of curriculum, teaching strategies, and student effort.
📚 Reading Growth: 54th Percentile
A 54th percentile growth in reading is especially exciting. This means our students grew more than the national average, outperforming over half of similar students nationwide. Growth above the 50th percentile demonstrates that our reading instruction is accelerating student learning and helping close gaps.
🔬 Science Growth: 51st Percentile
Science growth at the 51st percentile also exceeds the national average. This shows students are making meaningful gains in understanding scientific concepts and skills. Continued steady growth in science ensures students are prepared for future coursework and assessments.
As part of our ongoing school improvement efforts, we are learning to use MAP scores more intentionally. These results help us:
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Adjust classroom instruction
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Provide targeted support and enrichment
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Identify standards that need reinforcement
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Prepare students for upcoming state assessments
During our School Improvement Day this past Monday, each teacher carefully reviewed their class and individual student MAP results and deepened their understanding of what the scores truly mean. Teachers examined growth data, achievement bands, and instructional implications to better understand how students are progressing.
Moving forward, we will continue focusing on how to use MAP data strategically—both to prepare students for state testing and to sharpen daily classroom instruction. By analyzing trends, identifying strengths and areas for growth, and aligning instruction to standards, we ensure our teaching is targeted, responsive, and impactful.
MAP serves as a roadmap. It helps us make informed instructional decisions so that every student has the support needed to continue growing.
Celebrating Success
We believe hard work deserves recognition! Several elementary classrooms celebrated their growth accomplishments with:
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🎬 Movie celebrations
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🍩 Donuts and chocolate milk
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🍕 Pizza parties
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🥤 Soda and popcorn
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🍦 Ice cream parties
Celebrations reinforce that effort leads to results and make academic growth something students feel proud of.
Looking Ahead: Spring MAP Testing
The next MAP assessment will take place at the end of April/beginning of May. Between now and then, students will set personal growth goals based on their winter results.
Why Goal Setting Matters
Research consistently shows that students who set specific, measurable goals are more likely to improve their performance. Studies in educational psychology indicate that goal setting:
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Increases motivation
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Improves focus and persistence
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Encourages self-monitoring
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Builds ownership of learning
When students set clear targets, their brains treat the goal as something to work toward intentionally. This increases effort, strategic thinking, and resilience—leading to stronger academic growth.
We are proud of the progress our students are making and grateful for the partnership of families and staff. Growth is a journey, and Pleasant Hill students are moving forward.
Let’s keep the momentum going as we work toward spring testing!
