Third Grade Achievement and Proficiency Tests in Ohio

What Do I Need to Know About the Third Grade Ohio Achievement Assessment?

What Are the Ohio Third Grade Achievement and Proficiency Tests?

The test typically administered to third grade public school students in Ohio is called the Ohio Achievement Assessment (OAA). The content is based upon Ohio's Academic Content Standards and your child will be scored according to five levels: advanced, accelerated, proficient, basic and limited. Scores of proficient and above meet with state standards. You can expect the third grade OAA to cover math and reading. The reading test is administered in the fall and spring, while the math test is only administered in the spring.

In Ohio, all children in third grade are expected to take the same test. However, Ohio's Alternate Assessment for Students with Disabilities can be administered to students with severe learning disabilities. Students who are English Language Learners are often allowed extra time and the use of a dictionary, and in some cases, they may have an interpreter guide them through the test.

What Should I Do First?

Third grade is the first year that standardized testing is required in the state of Ohio. In order to help prepare your child for the test, you should be aware of the third grade math and reading standards in Ohio. According to the Ohio Department of Education, children who are proficient in reading are able to understand and list key details in the text (http://education.ohio.gov). In math, proficient students can solve problems using decimals, fractions and whole numbers. They can also demonstrate their reasoning through words or drawings.

Your child's academic progress throughout the year is a key component to his success when taking the third grade Ohio Achievement Assessment test. Maintain contact with your child's teachers and school administration. Look over his assignments and help in any way you can. If your child is having a hard time with any particular subject, look into options such as tutoring and learning centers.

How Can I Help My Child Study?

As the weeks draw closer to testing time, begin your search for test prep materials by asking your child's teacher or school principal for practice tests, workbooks and study suggestions. The Ohio Department of Education provides practice tests on their website. Your child can get a login ID from her teacher in order to save her scores, but she can also access the test without a login. You may also find other websites that offer Ohio standards-based information, worksheets, practice questions and other resources.

Administering practice tests to your child at home can be very useful. Recreate a test environment by maintaining a calm area at home. Time your child as she takes the test. When you correct your child's test, focus on the areas where she needs the most attention and help her strengthen these areas.