The CRCT Test

Georgia's Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests are used to determine how students are learning and performing in the Georgia school environment. Georgia law requires all first to eighth grade students to take the CRCT in the subjects of reading, language arts, and mathematics. Third to eighth graders also test in science and social studies.

What Makes the CRCT Different?

The CRCT is different from norm-referenced tests (NRTs). The CRCT is designed to see how well a student acquires, learns, and uses the specific skills and goals outlined in an instructional unit or year-long curriculum. The Georgia CRCT is designed specifically to test the state's educational content standards. NRTs are designed for use throughout the entire nation and test to national standards. They compare students along an achievement spectrum. With the results of these tests, parents and teachers are able to see how individual students compare with other students in their class, school district, state and nation. These tests help educators and administration determine the effectiveness of their school's education.

The Three Levels of the CRCT Item Banking System

There are three levels of the CRCT Item Banking System, allowing students and teachers to access sample questions throughout the year.

Levels 1 and 2 are accessible throughout the year, while level 3 is only implemented in the end-of-the-year tests. Both Level 1 and 2 are accessible on line. Level 1 allows students to conduct self-assessments on the various skills they are learning in the classroom. Level 2 is for teachers to use in classroom tests. At home, parents can use level 1 questions and the results from classroom tests to assess how their student is doing throughout the year. By using the results of the level 1 and level 2 items, you can assist your child at home so they can get back on track at school.

Prepare Your Child

Implement a regular study schedule. Students like to play after school. Chances are they will not study unless they know that studying is expected of them. By scheduling regular, mandatory study times, you know to be available to answer your child's homework questions. Have your child complete additional problems or activities if they complete their work early or do not have homework on a given day. This will reinforce the studying routine.

Know When to Ask for Help

If you notice that these study sessions are not helping your child improve, you may want to look into professional educational services, such as tutoring. Tutoring is an effective way to catch your student up with Georgia's educational content standards, especially in math and reading.

Some tutoring centers now implement assessment tests before creating your child's lesson plans. They use the results of the tests to create individualized lessons designed to eliminate the frustrations and problems your child has in specific skill areas. The one-on-one attention and instruction offered by a professional tutor creates an indispensable bond with each individual, establishing the most effective way to present material to the student. A tutor is able to tune into the specific learning styles and intelligences your child uses because they don't have to split their focus and attention among other children.

When looking for a tutor to help your child with success on the CRCT, make sure the tutor is state-certified. State-certified tutors are licensed and are up-to-date on Georgia's educational standards. This means they know about the various skills your child will be tested on each year. Additionally, do not forget to research online tutoring centers. Online programs can be just as effective as conventional centers and often are more convenient for families.