From: de Barros, Jessica [jedebarros@seattleschools.

org]
Sent: Thursday, December 03, 2009 4:14 PM
To: Dave Swanson
Subject: FW: MAP use by Talented and Gifted Programs

Dave,

I wanted to provide you with some context for this.  Bob clearly wants to use MAP data to identify
advanced learners.  We have held off on this because our intended purpose for MAP is to use data to
drive instruction for teachers, not for any other purposes.  This has led us to meet with the Superintendent
next week to discuss the uses of MAP data.  I do not necessary want to arm him with data to make his
case so would appreciate anything you send him to be objective.

Thanks,
Jessica

From: Vaughan, Robert C

Sent: Thursday, December 03, 2009 3:21 PM
To: 'Dave Swanson'
Cc: de Barros, Jessica
Subject: MAP use by Talented and Gifted Programs

Dear Mr. Swanson,

As a former large scale achievement test coordinator for this district who knew Gage Kingsbury when he
and his colleagues in Portland SD were fooling around with computer-adapting the Portland Area Levels
Tests, I have lobbied hard to get MAP to Seattle to help in the development and monitoring of our
programs for advanced learners (talented and gifted).  Now that they are here, I need to quickly put
together a case for MAP’s utility in both identification and monitoring of students for our advanced
programs.  I see enormous value in a very high ceiling test that affords a thoughtful consideration of
academic growth among a population that tends to heavily top out on standard achievement tests.  I
also am intrigued to consider the possibility of comparisons within your testing group among
populations of students historically under-identified for opportunities in TAG programs.

Can you please provide me with contact information for school districts comparable to Seattle that have
been successfully using MAP as part of their portfolio of assessments to identify and monitor students
for gifted programs?

I’ve also heard tell that MAP representatives have made presentations at meetings of the National
Association for Gifted Children regarding use of MAP.  I would appreciate any information you or your
colleagues have put together that makes the case for why MAP should be such a valuable part of one’s
assessment portfolio to identify and monitor progress by TAG students.

I hope to hear from you at your earliest opportunity, as I am going to have to make a case to our
superintendent and chief academic officer next week.

Thanks for any help you can provide. 

Robert C. Vaughan, Ph.D.

Manager, Advanced Learning
Seattle Public Schools
206-252-0130, Cell: 206-718-6726

From: de Barros, Jessica

Sent: Thursday, December 03, 2009 2:20 PM
To: Vaughan, Robert C
Cc: Bernatek, Bradley T; 'Dave Swanson'
Subject: RE: MAP consultant

Bob,

You can contact Dave Swanson, our NWEA rep, copied here.

Jessica

From: Vaughan, Robert C

Sent: Thursday, December 03, 2009 8:22 AM
To: de Barros, Jessica
Cc: Bernatek, Bradley T
Subject: MAP consultant

Hi Jessica,
Brad suggested you would be the one to tell me who to contact at NWEA MAP to inquire about other
districts comparable to Seattle using MAP for their gifted student program monitoring, identification,
etc.  I’d appreciate any contact information you can provide today.
Thanks,
Bob

Robert C. Vaughan, Ph.D.

Manager, Advanced Learning
Seattle Public Schools
206-252-0130