Elementary Math Assessment Tests and Quizzes: What to Expect

What to Expect on Elementary Math Assessments

The Basics

Each year, students are required to take tests and quizzes that assess their knowledge of the math content standards they're taught in class. You can help your child prepare for these assessments by knowing what these standards entail. For the elementary grades, the four main content standards categories are (1) operations and algebraic thinking, (2) number and operations in base ten, (3) measurement and data and (4) geometry. After you know what your child should know, then you can help him or her prepare by studying at home in fun ways, such as using flash cards or playing math-related games.

Lower Elementary Assessments (K-2)

In kindergarten, your child will be assessed on his ability to count items in a group and record the number. He will also be asked to compare whole numbers using a time line. An example of an assessment question might be, 'Which is larger 3 or 5?' In geometry, he will need to draw and recognize basic shapes, like squares, triangles and circles.

In first grade, your child will begin solving simple word problems involving addition and subtraction. There will be problems that deal with sequencing, and she will have to recognize which number comes next based on the pattern she recognizes in a series of numbers. First grade assessments will contain addition and subtraction problems within 20.

In second grade, your child will be introduced to telling time and counting money. On assessments, he may have to solve word problems involving making change. Additionally, he will likely be asked to tell the time using an analog clock. Help your child practice these real-world skills at home by having her count money for you and read the time using the terms 'a.m.' and 'p.m.'

Upper Elementary Assessments (3-5)

In third grade, your child will face tougher word problems that involve multiple steps. Three new concepts will be introduced in this grade: multiplication, division and fractions. You can likely expect your child to take timed multiplication quizzes on the basic facts. Additionally, a sample question on a fraction assessment might read, 'Which is larger 3/4 or 1/2?' In geometry, she will be tested on her ability to classify shapes, such as knowing that squares, rhombuses and rectangles are all quadrilaterals because they all have four sides.

In fourth grade, your child will study long division for more complex division problems, like 35 ÷ 12. He will also be asked to identify equivalent fractions, like 3/6 and 4/8. More difficult word problems may involve all four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division).

Finally, in fifth grade your child will be assessed on adding and subtracting fractions. She may also encounter some multiplication problems involving fractions, such as 2 x 3/4. In geometry, your fifth grader will be tested on her ability to calculate the volume of a cube.