Proficiency Levels - Mathematics - Grade 3

ADVANCED:  Students at this level are able to solve problems
and communicate their answers and problem-solving strategies
clearly and concisely.  They can accurately add, subtract,
and multiply whole numbers to the same extent as proficient
students.  They have an understanding of fractions and
decimals and can add and subtract decimals in everyday
situations.  They are able to: make estimations; use models
to demonstrate mathematical concepts, draw conclusions from
information presented in charts and graphs; identify,
classify, and compare geometric objects; measure accurately;
construct simple charts and graphs; and recognize, describe,
extend, and create a variety of patterns

PROFICIENT:  Students at this level are able to estimate and
compute solutions to problems and communicate their
understanding of mathematics.  They can, with a reasonable
accuracy, add 3-digit whole numbers; subtract any 2-digit
numbers; and multiply whole numbers up to 5.  They are able
to:  demonstrate an understanding of place value as well as
the relationship between simple fractions and decimals; read
charts and graphs; make measurements; and recognize and
extend patterns.

BASIC:  Students at this level are able to multiply whole
numbers up to 5 with reasonable accuracy.  They can add and
subtract 1-digit whole numbers with ease.  When adding or
subtracting 2-digit whole numbers, regrouping (borrowing and
carrying) presents a challenge.  They demonstrate a
rudimentary understanding of place value, fractional parts,
geometry, and measurement.  They can recognize and extend
simple patterns and read uncomplicated charts and graphs. 
They demonstrate limited skill in the application of
mathematics to problem-solving situations.

NOVICE:  Students at this level are able to add and subtract
1-and 2-digit whole numbers without regrouping (borrowing or
carrying).  However, they frequently make errors in those
computations.  They can recite whole-number multiplication
facts up to 5.  Although they have some knowledge of place
value, fractions, geometry, and measurement, their
understanding of these areas is extremely limited.  They are
unable to demonstrate the application of mathematical skills
to problem-solving situations.

Proficiency Levels - Language Arts - Grade 3

ADVANCED:  Students at this level demonstrate a thorough
comprehension of the materials they read, hear, and view. 
They are able to identify main and subordinate ideas,
supporting details, and facts.  They use comparisons and
predictions to increase their level of understanding.  They
can draw conclusions and make critical judgments.  Their
responses are detailed and reflect careful though.  When
writing, they communicate clearly and effectively.  They can
organize ideas, develop a topic, add supporting detail, and
vary both sentence structure and vocabulary.  They make few,
if any, mechanical errors.

PROFICIENT:  Students at this level demonstrate an overall
understanding of the materials they read, hear, and view. 
They are able to identify main ideas and draw conclusion. 
Their responses show thought and are supported with some
detail.  When writing, they communicate competently and are
able to adequately develop and support their ideas. 
Although they demonstrate a firm grounding in the mechanics
of written expression, they may make some errors in spelling
and grammar.  However, these do not interfere with a
reader~s ability to understand the text.

BASIC:  Students at this level are able to determine the
literal meaning of the materials they read, hear, and view. 
They can identify clearly-stated main ideas and make direct
comparisons.  Their responses are sometimes incomplete and
are supported with few details.  When writing, they
communicate at a rudimentary level.  Although they employ
both simple and more complex sentences, overall their work
shows elementary organization, development and use of
detail.  While they demonstrate a fundamental control of
mechanics, they may make errors in spelling and grammar.

NOVICE:  Students at this level are at the beginning of
their literacy development.  They extract limited meaning
from what they read, hear, and view.  Although they may be
able to locate major details, they are often unable to
identify clearly-stated main ideas.  When writing, they have
difficulty communicating.  While it may be related to the
point they are trying to make, their written work is minimal
and shows little organization, development, or use of
detail.  Errors in capitalization, punctuation, spelling,
and grammar may interfere with a reader~s ability to
understand the text.

Last update on 31-Mar-99 at 10:15 PM.

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This page is edited by David K. Taylor. Please send questions or comments to editor@orol.org.