Fourth Grade CRCT Math Test: Test-Taking Strategies

Test-Taking Strategies for the Fourth Grade CRCT

Before the Exam

Research

Before the CRCT is administered, learn what topics will be on the test. In addition to math, your fourth grader will also be tested on reading, English/language arts, science and social studies. At the Georgia Department of Education's website, you can review the Georgia Performance Standards for fourth grade to determine what math topics will be tested. For instance, there will likely be questions on operations, measurement, geometry, algebra and probability. Once you know what will be on the test, you'll know what your child needs to study.

Take a Practice Test

One effective way to prepare for a test and reduce anxiety is by taking a practice test at home. Georgia's Department of Education provides a free Online Assessment System (OAS) in which your fourth grader can take a version of the CRCT math test online. All the questions are multiple choice and the answers are graded instantly.

Learn Formulas

Although the formulas your child needs will likely be provided on the test, it can be helpful if he or she has them memorized. Two common elementary-level formulas are the ones for area and perimeter of a rectangle. The formula for area is A = l x w, where A stands for area, l is length and w is width.

To calculate the perimeter of an object, simply add all the lengths of the sides together. The formula for the perimeter of a square is P = 4a (P is perimeter and a stands the length of one side). To find the perimeter of a rectangle, use this formula: P = 2a + 2b. In this case, the two letters (a and b) represent the length and the width of the rectangle.

During the Exam

Solve It First

All of the problems on the test will be multiple choice. Even though the answers are provided, your child should still solve the problem first before trying to select an answer. This way, he or she can avoid choosing a wrong answer that 'looks right.' Scrap paper is often provided in the testing booklet, and your child should take full advantage of it.

Use Estimation

Encourage your child to estimate when he or she can because it saves time. If there's a problem like 75 ÷ 12, use multiplication to estimate the answer. Because 12 x 6 = 72, which is close to 75, look for an answer in the multiple-choice options that is close to six (the real answer to 75 ÷ 12 is 6.25). You can use this process to quickly eliminate answers that don't make sense.