The new Georgia performance standards: 5th grade [2008]

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 5th grade and will acquire self-monitoring 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 5th 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 March, the Grade 5 Writing Assessment will be administered.
Georgia law also mandates the administration of a norm-referenced test to all 5th grade students sometime during the school year. The state provides the Iowa Test of Basic Skills; a school may choose to administer an alternate normreferenced test at the system's own expense.

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 5th Grade
2005-2006 English Language Arts
2006-2007 Science
2007-2008 Mathematics
2008-2009 Social Studies
Curriculum & Instructional Services 1754 Twin Towers East Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Tel (404) 656-2608 FAX (404) 656-5744
www.georgiastandards.org
In accordance with State and Federal law, the Georgia Department of Education prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its educational and employment activities. Inquiries regarding the application of these practices may be addressed to the General Counsel of the Georgia Department of Education, 2052 Twin Towers East, Atlanta, Georgia, 30334, (404) 656-2800.

5th Grade
THE NEW GEORGIA PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
We will lead the nation in improving student achievement.
Kathy Cox, State Superintendent of Schools
www.gadoe.org

5th Grade Language Arts
Fifth grade students will receive instruction in reading, writing, and listening, speaking, & viewing. By the end of 5th grade, students will demonstrate mastery of many concepts and skills, including the following:
Read and comprehend texts from a variety of genres and a variety of subject areas
Construct new knowledge by making connections between new and previously held ideas
Write for a variety of purposes
Understand a problem or conflict in text and determine an appropriate solution
Use background knowledge and experiences to draw conclusions and make valid generalizations
Use evidence/reasoning to support opinions and solutions to problems

5th Grade Mathematics
Fifth grade students will be actively engaged in developing mathematical understandings in real and relevant contexts. By the end of 5th grade, students will be able to:
Classify counting numbers into subsets (odd/ even, prime/composite); find factors and multiples; and use divisibility rules
Find equivalent fractions and add/subtract fractions/mixed numbers with unlike denominators
Understand and apply percentages to circle graphs
Compute area and volume of simple geometric figures and measure capacity
Understand congruence and the relationship of circumference to diameter of a circle
Represent and investigate mathematical expressions algebraically by using variables
Discuss advantages and disadvantages of various types of graphs (including circle graphs)
Problem solve, develop arguments, use language of mathematics, make connections, and communicate

5th Grade Science
Fifth grade students will investigate evidence related to scientific concepts. They will conduct experiments and do research that focuses on earth science, physical science, and life science. By the end of 5th grade, students will be able to:
Use records, tables, or graphs to predict patterns of change
Identify and find examples of constructive and destructive forces while relating the role of technology to monitoring and controlling these forces
Explain the difference between physical and chemical change
Describe the relationship between electricity and magnetism
Classify organisms into groups
Compare and contrast characteristics of learned behaviors and of inherited traits
Identify plants, animals, single-celled organisms, and multi-celled organisms
Relate how microorganisms are harmful or beneficial

5th Grade Social Studies
Fifth grade students will continue the formal study of United States history, beginning with the Civil War and culminating with the present. Concepts in geography, government, and economics will interface with the study of history. By the end of 5th grade, students will be able to:
Explain the causes, major events, and consequences of the Civil War, and analyze the effects of Reconstruction
Describe and explain life in America from the late 19th century to the present, including the U. S. involvement in various wars and conflicts, the Great Depression and the New Deal, the Cold War, and significant people and events during this time period
Locate important places in the United States, both natural and man-made
Describe and explain how geography affects economic growth and expansion of the U. S.
Explain the protection of citizens' rights under the constitution, including the process for and history of amending the U. S. Constitution
Use economic concepts of trade, opportunity cost, specialization, voluntary exchange, productivity, and price incentives to illustrate historical events