3rd Grade Assessments and End-of-Grade Tests

Helping Your 3rd Grader with Standardized Tests

In school districts across the country, assessments or End-of-Grade Tests are taken by students in multiple grades near the end of the school year. Your child will usually be tested on 3rd grade math and reading. Most tests consist of questions in a multiple-choice format.

How Can I Help My Child Prepare?

In order to prepare your child for the 3rd grade assessments, you can review the core standards for your state and her course materials. These materials outline the skills and knowledge your child must have for the exam. Check your state's department of education website for more information about the standards used on your child's test. Some states base their math and reading tests on the Common Core Standards (www.corestandards.org).

To help your child practice for math assessments, you can convert any worksheet into a math test. There are also many websites offering practice math tests, quizzes, worksheets and activities based on common 3rd grade curriculum standards. If your child's math test is based on the Common Core Standards, she may be required to know the area and perimeter of polygons, multiplication, division, story problems and fractions.

You can measure your child's reading fluency and comprehension with the many free assessments available online. You can also search online for free reading comprehension worksheets and activities. Standardized reading tests typically contain fiction and nonfiction passages followed by questions that test reading comprehension and vocabulary. Your child may need to know how to identify the main idea and key details of a passage, as well as how to use textual clues to decode unknown words.

Are Practice Tests Available?

Ask your child's teacher or school if they have any 3rd grade practice tests that you can bring home for him. There may be several websites where you can find sample exams and practice questions, including your state's department of education website.

As test time approaches, you can administer practice exams to your child. Create a quiet space and time for your 3rd grader while he takes a test. At-home practice exams will help get him used to the material, the multiple-choice format and the pressure of being timed. Go over your child's answers with him and focus on the sections that he's struggling with.