Michigan K–12 ELA Standards · Standards & Skills Matrix

NWEA ELA · test families at a glance

Unlike Math, NWEA's ELA coverage is spread across multiple products. A complete K–5 ELA picture often requires both MAP Growth Reading and MAP Reading Fluency. Beginning around Grade 2, Language Usage adds the conventions/editing piece.

Test	Grade Range	Instructional Areas	Strands Covered
MAP Growth K-2 Reading	K – Gr 2	Foundational Skills Vocabulary Use & Functions Literature Informational Text	RL RI RF L (partial)
MAP Growth Reading 2-5	Gr 2 – Gr 5	Vocabulary Acquisition & Use Literature Informational Text	RL RI L (vocab only)
MAP Growth Reading 6+	Gr 6 – Gr 12	Vocabulary Acquisition & Use Literary Text Informational Text	RL RI L (vocab only)
MAP Reading Fluency	K – Gr 3 (typical); extends higher	Foundational Skills Oral Reading Fluency Listening / Reading Comprehension Dyslexia Screener (optional)	RF (the only measure of RF.4)
MAP Growth Language Usage	~Gr 2 – Gr 12	Edit for Meaning Edit for Language Use Apply Conventions of Writing	W (editing only) L (conventions)

RL Reading: Literature RI Reading: Informational RF Reading Foundational (K–5) W Writing SL Speaking & Listening L Language Gap not assessed by NWEA

The matrix · jump to a grade

Searches across all grades and strands.

Kindergarten

Strand	Key Standards	Skills	NWEA Test	NWEA Area	RIT	Notes
RL	RL.K.1–3 RL.K.4, RL.K.7	Ask/answer about key details Retell familiar stories Identify characters, setting, events	MAP Growth K-2 Reading	Literature	<161 – 180	Audio read-aloud items.
RI	RI.K.1–3 RI.K.6	Main topic & key details Connections between ideas Author/illustrator roles	MAP Growth K-2 Reading	Informational Text	<161 – 180	Clean.
RF	RF.K.1 RF.K.2 RF.K.3 RF.K.4	Print concepts Phonological awareness (rhyme, syllable, phoneme) Letter-sound Emergent reading	K-2 Reading + Reading Fluency	Foundational Skills + ORF	<161 – 190	RF.4 (oral) ONLY via Reading Fluency.
W	W.K.1–3	Opinion / informative / narrative pieces via drawing + dictating + writing	Gap	—	—	Composition not assessed at K.
SL	SL.K.1 SL.K.2 SL.K.4	Participate in conversations Ask/answer about read-alouds Describe people/things	Gap	—	—	No MAP equivalent.
L	L.K.1–2 L.K.4–5	Print conventions, capitalization Word meanings, categories, relationships	MAP Growth K-2 Reading	Vocabulary Use & Functions	<161 – 180	Vocab covered; conventions touched lightly.

Grade 1

Strand	Key Standards	Skills	NWEA Test	NWEA Area	RIT	Notes
RL	RL.1.1–3 RL.1.4, .7, .9	Key details Central message Characters; sensory words Compare stories	K-2 Reading	Literature	161–190	Clean.
RI	RI.1.1–3 RI.1.5–6, .9	Main topic; text features Reasons author gives Compare two texts	K-2 Reading	Informational Text	161–190	Clean.
RF	RF.1.1–4	Print concepts Segment/blend phonemes Long vowels, digraphs, inflectional endings Fluency with comprehension	K-2 Reading + Reading Fluency	Foundational Skills + ORF + Decoding	161–200	Reading Fluency essential for oral piece.
W	W.1.1–3, .5, .7	Opinion / info / narrative Respond with details Participate in research	Gap	—	—	Composition not assessed.
SL	SL.1.1–6	Discussion rules Ask/answer; describe Produce complete sentences	Gap	—	—	No MAP equivalent.
L	L.1.1–2, .4–6	Sentence types; nouns; punctuation Context clues, affixes Word relationships	K-2 Reading	Vocabulary Use & Functions	161–190	Vocab covered.

Grade 2

Transition grade. Either K-2 or 2-5 form may be used; Language Usage typically begins here.

Strand	Key Standards	Skills	NWEA Test	NWEA Area	RIT	Notes
RL	RL.2.1–3, .5–7, .9	Recount; central message/lesson Story structure POV (different voices) Compare versions	K-2 or 2-5	Literature	171–200	Form depends on district.
RI	RI.2.1–3, .5–6, .8–9	Main topic of multi-paragraph text Text features; author's purpose Reasons supporting points; compare two texts	K-2 or 2-5	Informational Text	171–200	Clean.
RF	RF.2.3 RF.2.4	Long/short vowels, vowel teams, prefixes/suffixes, irregular words Fluency — accuracy, rate, expression	K-2 Reading + Reading Fluency	Foundational Skills / ORF	171–200	RF.4 only via Reading Fluency.
W	W.2.1–3, .5–8	Opinion w/ reasons Informative w/ facts Narrative w/ sequence Revise; research	Language Usage (starts ~Gr 2)	Edit for Meaning · Language Use · Conventions	171–200	Editing only — not composition.
SL	SL.2.1–6	Discussion; ask/answer Recount; describe with detail	Gap	—	—	No MAP equivalent.
L	L.2.1–6	Collective nouns, irregular plurals Capitalization, apostrophes Root words & affixes Shades of meaning	2-5 Reading + Language Usage	Vocabulary Acq. & Use · Conventions	171–200	Split: vocab on Reading; conventions on Language Usage.

Grade 3

Strand	Key Standards	Skills	NWEA Test	NWEA Area	RIT	Notes
RL	RL.3.1–9	Ask/answer using text Central message + how conveyed Characters' traits/motivations Literal/nonliteral; story structure; POV	2-5 Reading	Literature	181–210	Key Ideas / Craft & Structure all represented.
RI	RI.3.1–9	Main idea + supporting details Cause/effect, sequence Domain vocabulary; text features Compare two texts on same topic	2-5 Reading	Informational Text	181–210	Clean.
RF	RF.3.3 RF.3.4	Multisyllabic words; Latin suffixes Fluency for comprehension	Reading Fluency	ORF + Decoding + Comprehension	181–210	Some districts stop Reading Fluency after Gr 3.
W	W.3.1–10	Opinion w/ linking words Informative w/ grouping Narrative w/ dialogue Short research	Language Usage	Edit for Meaning · Language Use · Conventions	181–210	Editing only.
SL	SL.3.1–6	Collaborative discussion Paraphrase; report on topic	Gap	—	—	No MAP equivalent.
L	L.3.1–6	Pronouns, verb tenses, S–V agreement Commas, quotation marks Literal/nonliteral Word relationships; academic language	2-5 Reading + Language Usage	Vocabulary Acq. & Use · Conventions	181–210	Split.

Grade 4

Strand	Key Standards	Skills	NWEA Test	NWEA Area	RIT	Notes
RL	RL.4.1–9	Refer to details/examples Theme + summarize Mythological allusions Structural elements (poems/drama/prose) 1st/3rd-person POV	2-5 Reading	Literature	191–220	Clean.
RI	RI.4.1–9	Main idea + summarize Explain events/procedures/concepts Academic/domain vocab Text structures; first/secondhand accounts	2-5 Reading	Informational Text	191–220	Clean.
RF	RF.4.3 RF.4.4	Letter-sound, syllabication, morphology Fluency — accuracy, rate, expression	Reading Fluency (if used)	ORF + Decoding	191–220	Many districts stop after Gr 3.
W	W.4.1–10	Opinion w/ structure Informative w/ formatting/illustrations Narrative w/ dialogue/description Group related info	Language Usage	Edit for Meaning · Language Use · Conventions	191–220	Editing only.
SL	SL.4.1–6	Effective discussion; paraphrase Identify reasons/evidence speaker uses Differentiate formal/informal	Gap	—	—	No MAP equivalent.
L	L.4.1–6	Progressive verb tenses; modal auxiliaries Capitalization, punctuation, spelling Greek/Latin affixes & roots Figurative language	2-5 Reading + Language Usage	Vocabulary Acq. & Use · Conventions	191–220	Split.

Grade 5

Strand	Key Standards	Skills	NWEA Test	NWEA Area	RIT	Notes
RL	RL.5.1–9	Quote accurately; theme + summarize Compare characters/settings/events Figurative language; structure (chapters/scenes/stanzas) Multiple POVs; multimedia analysis	2-5 Reading	Literature	201–225	Clean.
RI	RI.5.1–9	Two+ main ideas + summarize Relationships; academic vocabulary Overall text structure Multiple POVs/accounts; integrate info	2-5 Reading	Informational Text	201–225	Clean.
RF	RF.5.3 RF.5.4	Phonics & word recognition (advanced) Fluency for comprehension	Reading Fluency (if used)	ORF + Comprehension	201+	Last grade with RF strand.
W	W.5.1–10	Opinion w/ logical reasons Informative w/ formatting Narrative w/ pacing Research	Language Usage	Edit for Meaning · Language Use · Conventions	201–220	Editing only.
SL	SL.5.1–6	Discussion; summarize info from media Identify reasons/evidence Adapt speech	Gap	—	—	No MAP equivalent.
L	L.5.1–6	Verb tense (perfect); conjunctions Commas in series/intro Figurative language (idioms, adages, proverbs) Academic/domain words	2-5 Reading + Language Usage	Vocabulary Acq. & Use · Conventions	201–220	Split.

Grade 6

Transition to MAP Growth Reading 6+. RF strand ends — students are expected to be reading independently.

Strand	Key Standards	Skills	NWEA Test	NWEA Area	RIT	Notes
RL	RL.6.1–9	Cite textual evidence; theme via particulars How plot unfolds + characters respond Figurative/connotative meanings; word choice impact POV; compare reading vs. listening/viewing	6+ Reading	Literary Text	201–225	Form transition.
RI	RI.6.1–9	Cite evidence; central idea + how conveyed Analyze how key person/event/idea is introduced Figurative/connotative/technical meanings Trace and evaluate argument	6+ Reading	Informational Text	201–225	Clean.
W	W.6.1–10	Argument w/ claims & evidence Informative Narrative w/ technique Research; cite sources	Language Usage	Edit for Meaning · Language Use · Conventions	211–230	Editing only.
SL	SL.6.1–6	Discussion; interpret info Delineate speaker's argument Adapt speech	Gap	—	—	No MAP equivalent.
L	L.6.1–6	Pronoun case, intensive/vague pronouns Commas/parentheses/dashes Figurative language; word relationships; connotation	6+ Reading + Language Usage	Vocabulary Acq. & Use · Conventions	211–230	Split.

Grade 7

Strand	Key Standards	Skills	NWEA Test	NWEA Area	RIT	Notes
RL	RL.7.1–9	Multiple pieces of evidence Theme + analyze development How elements interact Form/structure; contrasting POVs	6+ Reading	Literary Text	211–230	Clean.
RI	RI.7.1–9	Multiple evidence pieces Two+ central ideas + development Analyze interactions Trace and evaluate argument; compare two authors on same topic	6+ Reading	Informational Text	211–230	Clean.
W	W.7.1–10	Argument w/ logical reasoning Informative; narrative Research; cite sources, avoid plagiarism	Language Usage	Edit for Meaning · Language Use · Conventions	211–230	Editing only.
SL	SL.7.1–6	Discussion; analyze main ideas Evaluate soundness of reasoning	Gap	—	—	No MAP equivalent.
L	L.7.1–6	Phrases & clauses; dangling modifiers Coordinate adjective commas Connotations among similar words	6+ Reading + Language Usage	Vocabulary Acq. & Use · Conventions	211–230	Split.

Grade 8

Strand	Key Standards	Skills	NWEA Test	NWEA Area	RIT	Notes
RL	RL.8.1–9	Strongest evidence; theme + relationship to characters/setting/plot Dialogue/incidents propel action Figurative meanings; analogies/allusions POV/dramatic irony; modern works draw on traditional themes	6+ Reading	Literary Text	211–240	Clean.
RI	RI.8.1–9	Strongest evidence; central idea + objective summary Connections/distinctions Analogies/allusions; structure of paragraphs Evaluate relevance/sufficiency of evidence	6+ Reading	Informational Text	211–240	Clean.
W	W.8.1–10	Argument acknowledging counter-claims Informative; narrative w/ reflection Research	Language Usage	Edit for Meaning · Language Use · Conventions	221–240	Editing only.
SL	SL.8.1–6	Discussion; analyze media purposes Identify when irrelevant evidence is introduced	Gap	—	—	No MAP equivalent.
L	L.8.1–6	Verbals (gerund/participle/infinitive) Active/passive voice; verb mood Ellipsis & pause punctuation Analogies; figures of speech	6+ Reading + Language Usage	Vocabulary Acq. & Use · Conventions	221–240	Split.

Grade 9–10

Strand	Key Standards	Skills	NWEA Test	NWEA Area	RIT	Notes
RL	RL.9-10.1–9	Strong evidence + inferences Theme + how it emerges/is shaped/refined How complex characters develop Cumulative impact of figurative language; structural choices	6+ Reading	Literary Text	221–250	Clean for grade-level rigor.
RI	RI.9-10.1–9	Strong evidence; central idea + how shaped/refined Author's claims developed POV + use of rhetoric Identify false statements/fallacious reasoning	6+ Reading	Informational Text	221–250	Clean.
W	W.9-10.1–10	Argument distinguishing claim from alternate/opposing Informative w/ sophisticated organization Narrative w/ complex characters Sustained research	Language Usage	Edit for Meaning · Language Use · Conventions	221–250	Editing only — does NOT measure sustained argument or research.
SL	SL.9-10.1–6	Discussion w/ propelling questions Integrate multiple sources Evaluate POV/reasoning/evidence/rhetoric	Gap	—	—	No MAP equivalent.
L	L.9-10.1–6	Parallel structure; phrases & clauses Semicolons, colons Patterns of word changes (etymology) Figurative language nuances	6+ Reading + Language Usage	Vocabulary Acq. & Use · Conventions	221–250	Split.

Grade 11–12

Watch the ceiling — students reading well above grade level may hit the test ceiling on MAP Growth 6+ Reading.

Strand	Key Standards	Skills	NWEA Test	NWEA Area	RIT	Notes
RL	RL.11-12.1–9	Strong evidence + matters left uncertain Two+ themes + interaction & development Author's choices about elements POV including satire/sarcasm/irony Foundational works of American literature	6+ Reading	Literary Text	230s–240s+	Ceiling considerations apply.
RI	RI.11-12.1–9	Strong evidence + uncertainty Two+ central ideas in complex interaction Effectiveness of structure Reasoning in seminal U.S. texts 17th–19th century foundational documents	6+ Reading	Informational Text	230s–240s+	Same ceiling caveat.
W	W.11-12.1–10	Argument using valid reasoning + sufficient evidence Informative anticipating audience knowledge Narratives building toward outcome Sustained research	Language Usage	Edit for Meaning · Language Use · Conventions	230s–240s+	Editing only — limited at this grade for college-prep writing.
SL	SL.11-12.1–6	Discussion w/ informed positions Integrate multiple sources Evaluate stance/premises/links/word choice	Gap	—	—	No MAP equivalent.
L	L.11-12.1–6	Usage as conventions change over time Hyphenation conventions Hyperbole/paradox Connotative/denotative shades	6+ Reading + Language Usage	Vocabulary Acq. & Use · Conventions	230s–240s+	Split.

Documented gaps · what NWEA does NOT measure

Three strands or skill clusters fall outside MAP's coverage. Districts using MAP as a sole literacy measure should know what they're missing.

Speaking & Listening (SL · K–12)

The entire SL strand has no MAP equivalent. Conversation skills, oral presentations, evaluating a speaker's argument, integrating media — none of it is on MAP. Use observation rubrics, classroom protocols, or performance tasks.

Writing composition (W · K–12)

Language Usage measures editing of supplied text. Student-produced argument, informative, narrative, and research writing (W.1–10) is not scored. Districts that want a writing measure must pair MAP with a composition rubric, on-demand prompt, or performance task.

Oral Reading Fluency (RF.4 · K–5)

MAP Growth K-2 Reading covers Foundational Skills items but cannot measure oral reading rate, accuracy, and prosody. RF.4 is only assessed via the separate MAP Reading Fluency product or another ORF screener (DIBELS, Acadience, etc.).

Throughlines · single concepts that thread K → 12

Six concepts that evolve continuously across grade bands and consistently land in a particular NWEA instructional area at each stage.

1. Vocabulary Acquisition

K–1: L.K-1.4 — new word meanings; categories; affixes

2–5: L.2-5.4-6 — context, Greek/Latin affixes, figurative language, academic words

6–8: L.6-8.4-6 — technical/connotative meanings, denotation/connotation

9–12: L.9-12.4-6 — etymology, nuance, hyperbole/paradox

NWEA: Vocabulary instructional area on every Reading test

Single most cleanly-aligned throughline. Track this sub-score from K to 12.

2. Central Idea / Theme

K–2: RL/RI.K-2.2 — central message; main topic; retell

3–5: RL/RI.3-5.2 — theme/main idea + summarize

6–8: RL/RI.6-8.2 — how theme/central idea is developed

9–12: RL/RI.9-12.2 — multiple themes shaped/refined; complex interaction

NWEA: Literature/Informational Text — Key Ideas & Details

Identification → support with details → analyze development → analyze interaction.

3. Argument / Evidence Evaluation

K–2: RI.K-2.8 — reasons author gives

3–5: RI.3-5.8 — identify which evidence supports which point

6–8: RI.6-8.8 — assess relevance/sufficiency of evidence

9–12: RI.9-12.8 — identify false statements/fallacies; reasoning in seminal texts

NWEA: Informational Text — Integration of Knowledge & Ideas

Notice reasons → identify evidence → evaluate sufficiency → identify fallacies.

4. Foundational Skills → Fluency Bridge

K–1: RF.K-1 — print concepts, phonological awareness, phonics

2–3: RF.2-3 — advanced phonics, fluency for comprehension

4–5: RF.4-5 — morphology; fluency supports meaning

6+: RF strand ends

NWEA: K-2 Reading covers FS; ORF requires Reading Fluency

Foundational decoding fades by Gr 5; oral-fluency assessment requires the separate product.

5. Conventions / Editing

K–1: L.K-1.1-2 — print conventions, capitalization, end punctuation

2–5: L.2-5.1-2 — parts of speech, agreement, mechanics, spelling

6–8: L.6-8.1-2 — pronoun case, phrases/clauses, voice, mood

9–12: L.9-12.1-2 — parallel structure, semicolons, hyphenation

NWEA: Language Usage — Apply Conventions of Writing

Cleanest direct alignment after vocabulary. Editing of supplied text only.

6. Text Structure / Author's Craft

K–2: RL/RI.K-2.5-6 — text features, parts of stories, author/illustrator

3–5: RL/RI.3-5.5-6 — chapters/scenes/stanzas; overall structure; POV

6–8: RL/RI.6-8.5-6 — how part fits whole; develop POV

9–12: RL/RI.9-12.5-6 — structural choices; rhetoric, satire, irony

NWEA: Literature/Informational Text — Craft & Structure

Identify features → recognize structures → analyze how parts fit whole → evaluate rhetorical choices.