3rd Grade CRCT May 1st – 9th

What does CRCT stand for? Criterion- Referenced Competency Tests Designed to measure how thoroughly a student has learned a particular body of knowledge.

What is on the CRCT? Reading, English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies

Requirements 3rd grade students must earn a score of 800 on the Reading portion of the CRCT. CRCT reports student achievement in terms of performance levels: Exceeds The Standard ( ) Meets The Standard ( ) Does Not Meet The Standard ( )

Promotion and Retention Students in the 3rd grade must pass the reading section of the CRCT in order to be promoted to the 4th grade. Students who do not pass the reading section will participate in a Year-End Focus program that will be held here at the school during the school day after test scores have been received. Student will then be allowed to re-take the section(s) of the test that are required. If a student does not pass the re-test, then a committee consisting of the parent, teacher, and administrator meet to discuss the possibility of retention.

Reading Section of the CRCT Questions fall into three domains: Reading Skills and Vocabulary Acquisition Literary Comprehension Reading for Information

Reading Skills and Vocabulary Acquisitions This section tests the students ability to read, interpret, and apply difficult text and new vocabulary in a variety of text.

Skills in this Section Using words with more than one meaning. Using homophones, synonyms, and antonyms. Defining words with prefixes and suffixes. Using context to define words.

Questions in this domain can look like this In the passage, the word prefer means… Which word means the opposite of eager? What is the root word in disagree? Which of the following is the correct definition of bundle in the sentence below? Which word is a homophone for would?

Suggestions for Practice at Home Use a word in a sentence that the student is not familiar with. Ask them to define the word based on the words around it. Say a word and have the student give synonyms and/or antonyms. Give the student a multi syllable word and ask them to identify the root word, prefix, and suffix. Give the student a root word such as wash, and ask them to make new words using suffixes and prefixes. (rewash, washable)

Literary Comprehension This section tests student’s ability to comprehend and analyze elements of literary works, such as short stories, fairy tales, fables, folktales, and poetry.

Skills in this section Making predictions Determining author’s purpose Summarizing text Recognizing plot, setting, characters and events in a story Determining and explaining cause-and- effect

Questions in this section can look like this: What is the main idea of this paragraph? This section is most about… What do you expect Mary to do next? What conclusion can you draw from the information in the first paragraph? Which part of the story shows it is make-believe?

Suggestions for practice at home Look around the room and identify any cause and effect: EX. The dog is barking because someone knocked on the door. After watching a favorite TV show, discuss the characters, setting, and events that took place. Discuss the problem in the show and how it was resolved. Read fairy tales, and folktales and discuss what makes them one.

Reading for Information This section tests student’s ability to read, recall, analyze information from nonfiction articles, biographies, subject- area texts, and reference sources.

Skills in this section Differentiating fact from opinion Making predictions Summarizing text content (main idea and supporting details.) Interpreting illustrations, diagrams, charts, graphs, and graphic organizers

Questions in this section can look like this The author’s purpose for writing this passage is to… Is this statement fact or opinion? You can tell the passage is nonfiction because… How many rivers are shown on the chart?

Suggestions for practice at home Practice reading charts, diagrams or graphs from magazines or newspapers. Read a biography & an autobiography together and discuss the difference. Bake something together and ask questions about the recipe

Suggestions for Parents Talk daily with your child about the work he/she is completing in the classroom and the work assigned for homework/study Read with your student and discuss what you have read Work closely with your child’s teachers Set a goal with your child to improve his/her lexile 3 rd grade (500 – 800)

CRCT Resources Lists the standards for your child’s grade level Click on “Parents” tab Click on “Testing Resources” Under CRCT Resources –click on “CRCT Study Guides” Go to your child’s class website for additional CRCT practice links. ell ell

Thank you for READING! Remember, if you need any help or have any questions, please feel free to call us. (912)