How to Evaluate the Skills of Third Grade Students

Third-grade students learn many new concepts and build upon skills that have already been introduced in prior grades. They are introduced to more complex math problems and are taught how to use comprehension strategies in reading to improve their understanding of multiple book genres. Teachers generally rely on assessments to evaluate students' skills, especially in the foundational subjects of reading, writing and math.

Instructions

1. Take notes on student observations. Informal observations provide valuable information about a child's level of understanding. To evaluate reading skills, observe students while they read with a partner. Math skills can be observed best while children work the problem on the board or in a cooperative group setting. Third-grade students, usually 8 and 9 years old, may be more amenable to giving their best effort with peers rather than on an independent classwork assignment.

2. Evaluate with informal assessments. In third grade, the student portfolio provides a reliable indicator of a student's progress in specific skills over a period of time, such as a nine weeks or semester. Portfolios can be used in any subject. They consist of student work samples and personal reflections. Teachers should look at portfolios once a week, if possible, and write notes to the student about his academic growth and include suggestions for improvement.

3. Evaluate formal test data to determine students' individual achievement. Third-graders usually take standardized tests near the end of the year to determine if satisfactory progress has been made to advance to the next grade. Other formal assessments are necessary, however, to gauge students' understanding of skills during the year. Many schools use the Dibels Oral Reading Fluency test to assess third-grade students three times a year. If their score indicates that they are at-risk, they receive interventions until they become proficient.

References

• Kathy Schrock's Guide For Educators: Assessment Rubrics
• Center for Applied Special Technology: Curriculum-Based Evaluation
• Dibels Data System: Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills: Third Grade Skills

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Math-and-Reading-Help-For-Kids: Third Grade Assessment Websites
• Joanne Griffin: Portfolio And Workshop Writing