5th Grade Tests and Pretests: Practice and Prep Info

Learn More About 5th Grade Testing and Preparation

What Tests Are Administered in 5th Grade?

The tests that your child takes depend on where you live and what kind of school your child attends. Your child may take standardized tests regardless of whether he attends public or private school. Public schools are required to submit test results, while private schools can generally opt out of testing altogether or submitting scores if they do administer tests.

Standardized tests are based on the education standards dictated by your state. In some states, the language arts and math tests are based on the Common Core Standards (www.corestandards.org). Contact your child's school or your state's department of education to find out more. Students in 5th grade are typically tested in math and language arts but may also have tests in science and social studies.

Testing can be useful for schools and school districts for student assessment and placement. Tests can sometimes determine what class your child will be in or even what school. There are also a number of specialized tests that your child may need to take. For example, testing can determine if your child is gifted or if he'll need help with a learning disability.

How Can I Help My Child Prepare for a 5th Grade Test?

For kids, preparing for a test happens both at school and at home. Make sure your child is on top of her schoolwork by staying in close contact with her teachers and checking assignments at home. Go over your child's schoolwork with her. Create a dedicated, uncluttered and focused workspace for her at home.

When a test is approaching soon, help her begin preparing several days or even weeks in advance. Go over the materials with your child and focus on areas where she needs the most assistance. Administering pretests may also be useful.

What Are Pretests and How Can They Help?

A good way for your child to have a better understanding of the concepts and topics covered in 5th grade is to take a pretest. A pretest is simply a practice exam that your child can take to help him get ready for the real exam. You can often get pretests from your child's school or find them online. Pretests are particularly common for helping your child prepare for standardized tests.

Pretests can be useful because you can administer them at home with a set time limit. This will help your 5th grader become more comfortable with testing conditions, format and content.

What Other Resources Are Available?

There are a number of other options you can use to help your 5th grader do well on tests. Look for websites dedicated to homework help, worksheets, standards-based learning games and educational activities. If your child's struggling with tests in any or all subjects, hiring a tutor may also help.