Assessment Throughout the year, classroom teachers will assess each student's growth and progress toward achievement of the learning goals specified in the state curriculum (GPS or QCC if GPS have not been implemented). These classroom assessments will be used to guide instruction in order to provide every child with the opportunity to learn and to succeed. Students will be made aware of the performance expectations for 4th grade and will acquire selfmonitoring and self-assessing skills to help them maximize their achievement. In the spring, Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests in Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies will be administered to 4th graders in order to provide a standardized measure of student learning. Beginning in the year the Georgia Performance Standards are implemented for a content area, the CRCT will directly align with those GPS. In addition, NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) is required by federal and state law in grade 4. Not all schools and students are administered these assessments. The selection of schools and students is determined by a random sample. Dear Parents, Thank you for all you do as parents to guide your children's learning! I am confident that the future of all our children will be bright because of your continued support of public education in Georgia. We are beginning the most extensive improvement in Georgia education undertaken in the last 18 years-- the implementation of the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS). The new state curriculum sets high standards, maintains clear expectations, and will place our schools and our students not just at the top of the Southeast, but at the top of the nation. As a parent, I personally understand that this kind of change may generate questions and concerns: Why do we need a change? How will this impact my child? What will be different in my child's classroom? For this reason, I have made communication and keeping you informed an absolute priority. Georgia's teachers and administrators have been preparing for this change, and they will be able to answer many of your questions at your local schools. I also encourage you to visit the Georgia Department of Education website to find out more about the new curriculum: www.georgiastandards.org. It is a great day for education in Georgia. Like never before, our state is unified behind a mission to raise the achievement level of all students in our public schools. Toward this aim, we have rallied together and successfully tackled many challenges, ushering in a new level of accountability and quality in education. Thank you for your support as we continue to raise the bar for our state's most precious resource, our children. Kathy Cox, State Superintendent of Schools Implementation Schedule for the Georgia Performance Standards in 4th Grade 2005-2006 English Language Arts 2006-2007 Science 2007-2008 Mathematics 2008-2009 Social Studies Contact Information Dr. Eloise Barron, Director Division of Curriculum and Instructional Services Gerald Boyd - English Language Arts Claire Pierce - Mathematics Stephen Pruitt - Science Dr. William Cranshaw - Social Studies (404) 656-4059 or (404) 656-2608 Kathy Cox, State Superintendent of Schools www.georgiastandards.org The Georgia Department of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer 4th Grade THE NEW GEORGIA PERFORMANCE STANDARDS We will lead the nation in improving student achievement. Kathy Cox, State Superintendent of Schools www.gadoe.org 4th Grade Language Arts Fourth grade students will receive instruction in reading, writing, and listening, speaking, & viewing. By the end of 4th Grade, students will be able to: Read and comprehend texts from a variety of genres Understand and learn from texts without having a teacher preview the material for them Read and understand informational texts from other content areas as well as from language arts Use, independently, a variety of metacognitive strategies, such as self-questioning techniques when reading materials seem contradictory or hard to understand, to deepen and expand their understanding of texts Use writing as a tool for learning Articulate how authors use a variety of techniques and craft in their writing, and show evidence of the author's craft in their own writing Communicate effectively with different audiences Participate in cooperative learning environments 4th Grade Mathematics All students will be actively engaged in developing mathematical understandings in real and relevant contexts. By the end of 4th Grade, students will be able to: Use properties of the four arithmetic operations to solve and check problems Determine when and how to use rounding Solve problems involving multiplication and division of whole numbers (2-3 digits by 1-2 digits) Add and subtract simple decimals and common fractions with common denominators Measure weight and use appropriate units and tools to measure angles Understand characteristics of and model geometric plane and solid figures, and use the first quadrant of the coordinate system Understand and apply patterns and rules to describe relationships and solve problems, including using the strategy of working backwards Write mathematical expressions using symbols and evaluate using different values Gather, organize, and display data in bar, line, and picture graphs, and compare features of graphs and identify missing or duplicate data 4th Grade Science Fourth grade students will gather and interpret data and make models to focus on "doing" science related to earth science, physical science, and life science. By the end of 4th Grade, students will be able to: Differentiate between observations and ideas Use records, tables, or graphs to identify patterns of change Write instructions and make sketches that allow others to carry out a scientific procedure Compare and contrast attributes of stars and planets Model position and motion of the earth, moon, and sun Investigate heating and cooling and use of thermometers and insulation Investigate magnets Differentiate between habitats in Georgia and the organisms that live in our state Recognize effects of pollution and humans on the environments 4th Grade Social Studies Fourth grade students will begin the formal study of United States history, from the development of Native American cultures to the year 1860. Concepts in geography, government, and economics will interface with the study of history. By the end of 4th Grade, students will be able to: Explain the development of early Native American cultures in North America Describe the European exploration of North America and explain the factors that shaped British colonial America, as well as the causes, events, and results of the American Revolution Analyze the challenges faced in governing the new American nation, westward expansion, and the abolitionist and suffrage movements Locate the important geographical features of the United States, both natural and man-made, and describe how these physical systems affect the growth of the U. S. Describe and explain the significance of selected historical documents and of governmental functions as they relate to democratic beliefs and freedoms Use economic concepts of trade, opportunity cost, specialization, voluntary exchange, productivity, and price incentives to illustrate historical events