Information regarding the standards.

	Grade 3

	Grade 5

	Grade 8

Reading

Advanced: A student scoring at the Advanced Level consistently utilizes sophisticated strategies to comprehend and interpret complex fiction and nonfiction: Identifies word meanings and shades of meaning, using context as support Makes inferences and draws conclusions, using textual support Relates supporting details to main idea Effectively summarizes all ideas within text Describes within and among text-to-text connections Explains purpose of text (e.g., narrative) Explains the use of figurative language (e.g., personification and simile) and literary elements (e.g., character) Explains the use of fact and opinion and exaggeration (bias) in nonfiction Identifies and explains organizational patterns of text (e.g., sequencing and comparison/contrast)

Proficient: A student scoring at the Proficient Level routinely utilizes a variety of reading strategies to comprehend and interpret grade-level appropriate fiction and nonfiction: Identifies word meanings, including synonyms and antonyms, using context clues and word parts Makes inferences and draws conclusions, using textual support Identifies stated or implied main ideas and relevant details Summarizes text Makes within and among text-to-text connections Identifies purpose of text (i.e., narrative and informational) Identifies literary elements (i.e., character, setting and plot) Identifies figurative language (i.e., personification) Identifies fact and opinion and the use of exaggeration (bias) in nonfiction Identifies organizational patterns of text (i.e., sequencing and comparison/contrast) Interprets graphics, charts, and headings

Basic: A student scoring at the Basic Level generally utilizes some reading strategies to comprehend grade-level appropriate fiction and nonfiction: Identifies some word meanings, including synonyms and antonyms for common words, using context clues Identifies details in support of a conclusion Identifies stated main ideas Attempts to summarize text Attempts to make within or among text-to-text connections Identifies purpose of text (e.g., narrative) Identifies some literary elements (e.g., character) Locates headings and subheadings in text Recognizes simple organizational patterns of text (e.g., sequencing and comparison/contrast) Recognizes that authors use language in different ways to communicate meaning Identifies factual statements Recognizes graphics and charts

	Below Basic: A student scoring at the Below Basic Level demonstrates competency with below grade-level text only and requires extensive support to comprehend and interpret fiction and nonfiction.

Math

Advanced: A third-grade student performing at the Advanced Level solves complex problems and demonstrates in-depth understanding of the skills, concepts and procedures in the five Pennsylvania Mathematics Reporting Categories. A student performing at the Advanced Level: creates models to represent numbers and fractions; explains ways of showing addition, subtraction, multiplication (ex: multiplication as repeated addition) and inverse operations (addition-subtraction); explains and justifies problem solutions and strategies. explains and justifies processes used to determine elapsed time; communicates size and shape of objects using appropriate measures. uses mathematical vocabulary to describe and determine differences between two- and three-dimensional geometric shapes; uses strategies associated with the properties of symmetry to solve problems. uses mathematical symbols to extend and generalize number patterns; explains why number sentence solution strategies are used in problems. draws conclusions based on data displayed in tables, charts, lists or bar graphs.

Proficient: A third-grade student performing at the Proficient Level solves practical and real-world problems. A student performing at the Proficient Level: matches models, word names and drawings with whole numbers and fractions; writes sets of whole numbers in order; solves money problems; solves story problems involving basic addition, subtraction and multiplication; uses estimation skills to arrive at conclusions. selects and uses appropriate units to measure length, weight and time; determines elapsed time; matches measures to real-world objects. identifies basic three-dimensional geometric shapes; draws lines of symmetry. extends or selects rules for simple patterns of numbers or shapes; chooses a number sentence to represent or describe a story; solves number sentences (x × 5 = 45). analyzes and interprets data in tables, charts, lists or bar graphs; graphs data presented in different forms.

Basic: A third-grade student performing at the Basic Level solves simple or routine problems by applying skills and procedures in the five Pennsylvania Mathematics Reporting Categories. A student performing at the Basic Level: matches word names and simple models with numerals and unit fractions; compares and orders pairs of whole numbers; determines values of currency; performs basic addition, subtraction or multiplication. uses a ruler to measure segments to the nearest 1/2 inch; tells time; arranges objects in order according to length, area and weight. identifies basic two-dimensional geometric shapes; recognizes lines of symmetry. determines a missing number or shape in a pattern; inserts operation (+, –, ×) and relation (<, =, >) symbols to make a number sentence true. locates and compares data presented in tables, charts, lists or bar graphs; recognizes equivalent data presented in tables, charts, lists or bar graphs.

	Below Basic: A third-grade student performing at the Below Basic Level demonstrates limited understanding of the concepts and ineffective application of the mathematical skills in the five Pennsylvania Mathematics Reporting Categories.

Reading

Advanced: A student scoring at the Advanced Level consistently utilizes sophisticated strategies to comprehend and interpret complex fiction and nonfiction: Identifies word meanings and shades of meaning, using context as support Makes inferences, draws conclusions, generalizes, and analyzes supporting details Explains main ideas, themes, and purpose of text • Effectively summarizes all ideas within text Describes and/or explains within and among text-to-text connections Analyzes the relationships among text elements, organizational patterns (e.g., sequencing and comparison/contrast), and purpose of text (e.g., narrative) Identifies the effectiveness of author’s use of figurative language (e.g., personification and simile), literary elements (e.g., character), and point of view Identifies and explains textual evidence in support of arguments in nonfiction Analyzes how graphics, charts, and headings support and enhance text

Proficient: A student scoring at the Proficient Level routinely utilizes a variety of reading strategies to comprehend and interpret grade-level appropriate fiction and nonfiction: Identifies word meanings, including synonyms and antonyms, using context clues and word parts Makes inferences, draws conclusions, and generalizes, using textual support Identifies stated and implied main ideas and relevant details Summarizes text Makes within and among text-to-text connections Identifies purpose of text (i.e., narrative, informational, poetic and persuasive) Identifies and interprets literary elements (i.e., character, setting, plot and theme) and point of view Identifies and explains figurative language (i.e. personification, simile and alliteration) Identifies or interprets fact and opinion in nonfiction Describes how the author uses exaggeration (bias) in nonfiction Identifies and interprets organizational patterns of text (e.g., sequencing and comparison/contrast) Interprets and explains graphics, charts, and headings

Basic: A student scoring at the Basic Level generally utilizes some reading strategies to comprehend grade-level appropriate fiction and nonfiction: Identifies some word meanings, including synonyms and antonyms, using context clues Identifies details in support of a conclusion Identifies stated or implied main ideas and relevant details Attempts to summarize text and/or to make within or among text-to-text connections Identifies purpose of text (e.g., narrative) and some literary elements (e.g., character) Identifies features of text (e.g., headings), including content appropriate to subsections Identifies specific text elements and simple organizational patterns (e.g., sequencing and comparison/contrast) Identifies simple figurative language (e.g., simile) and recognizes point of view Locates factual statements and explicitly stated opinions in nonfiction Recognizes exaggeration (bias) in nonfiction Identifies the purpose of graphics and charts

	Below Basic: A student scoring at the Below Basic Level demonstrates competency with below grade-level text only and requires extensive support to comprehend and interpret fiction and nonfiction.

Math

Advanced: A fifth-grade student performing at the Advanced Level solves complex problems and demonstrates in-depth understanding of the skills, concepts and procedures in the five Pennsylvania Mathematics Reporting Categories. A student performing at the Advanced Level: creates equivalent representations and regions or sets of rational numbers; explains and justifies solution strategies involving rational numbers, including integers; applies concepts of prime and composite numbers. explains methods used to estimate areas of irregular figures; communicates and compares results of measurements using appropriate form and units; uses and justifies solution strategies for complex measurement problems. uses mathematical terminology to compare and explain relationships between pairs of quadrilaterals or common three-dimensional figures; creates examples of translations, reflections, rotations and symmetries. writes a rule for complex patterns of numbers or geometric shapes; describes strategies to solve problems and explains reasoning. creates and evaluates different types of data displays; describes data using mean, median, range and probability.

Proficient: A fifth-grade student performing at the Proficient Level solves practical and real-world problems. A student performing at the Proficient Level: writes rational numbers, including decimals, in word form or expanded form; locates integers on a number line; lists factors and multiples of whole numbers; solves real-world problems involving whole numbers and decimals without a calculator, including whole number division; uses estimation to solve problems; identifies prime and composite numbers. estimates, calculates or compares perimeters and areas of polygons or figures, with or without a grid; solves real-world problems involving measures, including time, temperature and conversions within the metric system. uses properties of one-, two- and three-dimensional figures; describes translations, reflections, rotations and lines of symmetry; plots points in the first quadrant of a grid. extends patterns of numbers or geometric shapes using samples or rules; writes a rule to describe a pattern; selects an inequality, table or graph to describe a realistic situation; solves simple number sentences with or without variables. interprets data in different display formats, including pictographs, tallies, tables, charts, line graphs or bar graphs; determines mean, median, range and probability of a simple event.

Basic: A fifth-grade student performing at the Basic Level solves simple or routine problems by applying skills and procedures in the five Pennsylvania Mathematics Reporting Categories. A student performing at the Basic Level: matches whole numbers with equivalent expanded notations; uses circle graphs, base ten blocks, etc., to model basic fractions; rounds, compares and computes with whole numbers and decimals; orders decimals; solves problems involving elementary addition, subtraction or multiplication. selects and uses appropriate units to measure elementary examples of weight (mass), capacity, length, perimeter or area; converts measurements within the same system. identifies properties of basic one- and two-dimensional figures; identifies simple translations, reflections and rotations; locates and identifies points on a grid. determines a missing element in a basic pattern of numbers or geometric shapes; matches a simple story situation to an equation or expression. makes elementary interpretations of data displays; determines the degree of likelihood of a clearly-defined event.

	Below Basic: A fifth-grade student performing at the Below Basic Level demonstrates limited understanding of the concepts and ineffective application of the mathematical skills in the five Pennsylvania Mathematics Reporting Categories.

Reading

Advanced: A student scoring at the advanced level consistently utilizes sophisticated strategies to comprehend and interpret complex fiction and nonfiction: Analyzes and explains the use of word meanings and shades of meaning Makes inferences, draws conclusions, generalizes, and evaluates supporting details Effectively summarizes all ideas within text Summarizes or evaluates abstract themes Analyzes and explains within and among text-to-text connections Analyzes and explains differences among the features and the purposes of different texts Analyzes and evaluates the relationships among text elements, organizational patterns (e.g., sequencing and comparison/contrast), and purpose of text (e.g., narrative) Analyzes the effect of figurative language (e.g., simile and metaphor), literary elements (e.g., character) and point of view Identifies, analyzes, and evaluates textual evidence supporting multiple arguments and the use of bias and propaganda Analyzes and explains the connection between text and graphics

Proficient: A student scoring at the proficient level routinely utilizes a variety of reading strategies to comprehend and interpret grade-level appropriate fiction and nonfiction: Applies a variety of strategies to determine meanings of words, including synonyms and antonyms, using context clues and word parts Makes inferences, draws conclusions, and generalizes, using textual support Identifies or explains stated and implied main ideas Summarizes text Makes within and among text-to-text connections Interprets and analyzes: purpose of text (e.g., narrative, informational); organizational patterns (e.g., sequencing, comparison/contrast); and relationships among literary elements (i.e. character, setting, plot and theme) Identifies and explains the effect of figurative language (e.g., simile and metaphor) and point of view Interprets and analyzes the use of facts and opinions in nonfiction Identifies and analyzes bias and propaganda in nonfiction Interprets and analyzes graphics and charts

Basic: A student scoring at the basic level generally utilizes some reading strategies to comprehend grade-level appropriate fiction and nonfiction: Differentiates among word meanings, including synonyms and antonyms, using context clues and word parts Identifies and interprets details in support of a conclusion Identifies stated and implied main ideas and relevant details Attempts to summarize text and/or to make within or among text-to-text connections Identifies and describes features of text (e.g., headings), including content appropriate to subsections Describes specific text elements, common organizational patterns (e.g., sequencing and comparison/contrast), and purpose of text (e.g., narrative) Identifies and interprets figurative language (e.g., simile and metaphor), literary elements (e.g., character), and point of view Differentiates between factual statements and explicitly stated opinions in nonfiction Identifies and describes bias in nonfiction Identifies and explains the purpose of graphics and charts

	Below Basic: A student scoring at the below basic level demonstrates competency with below grade-level text only and requires extensive support to comprehend and interpret fiction and nonfiction.

Math

Advanced: An eighth-grade student performing at the Advanced Level solves complex problems and demonstrates in-depth understanding of the skills, concepts and procedures in the five Pennsylvania Mathematics Reporting Categories. A student performing at the Advanced Level: translates among equivalent representations of numbers; solves complex rate problems; determines and uses appropriate applications for estimation. determines and justifies appropriateness of measurements for given situations; develops and implements strategies to solve measurement problems involving multiple steps. justifies answers and conclusions by using properties of angles formed by intersecting lines; uses points on coordinate planes to describe geometric shapes and justifies solutions. describes patterns or functions; creates numeric or algebraic statements to model complex problems; represents linear functions graphically. determines the appropriateness of data displays; develops strategies to solve non-routine probability or outcome problems; justifies hypotheses and makes predictions based on data.

Proficient: An eighth-grade student performing at the Proficient Level solves practical and real-world problems. A student performing at the Proficient Level: calculates with complex rational numbers; solves rate and percent problems; uses rounding and estimation in problem settings, including problems involving percent; solves rate problems. uses formulas to determine number of sides and angle measures of polygons; converts basic measurements of objects and time to two units above or below; calculates surface areas and volumes of rectangular prisms. matches cones and pyramids with nets; uses properties of angles formed by parallel lines cut by a transversal; uses the Pythagorean Theorem to solve practical problems; plots points on a coordinate plane. matches or determines the rule (linear function) to describe values in a table; evaluates or simplifies expressions; solves equations or inequalities; matches an algebraic expression to a problem setting. draws conclusions from graphical representations of data; determines the permutations and combinations of data sets; makes predictions based on statistical and data displays.

	Basic: An eighth-grade student performing at the Basic Level solves simple or routine problems by applying skills and procedures in the five Pennsylvania Mathematics Reporting Categories. A student performing at the Basic Level: