The CRCT will be administered to students in grades three, four, and five on the following dates:

 Monday, April 25, 2011- Reading

 Tuesday, April 26, 2011- English/Language Arts

Wednesday, April 27, 2011- Math

 Thursday, April 28, 2011- Science

Friday, April 29, 2011- Social Studies

  The Purpose of the CRCT

The CRCT is designed to measure how well students acquire the skills and knowledge described in the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS). The assessments yield information on academic achievement at the student, class, school, system, and state levels. This information is used to diagnose individual student strengths and weaknesses as related to the instruction of the GPS, and to gauge the quality of education throughout Georgia.

Beginning with the 2003-04 school year, all third grade students are required to achieve grade level scores on the Georgia Criterion Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) in Reading in order to be promoted to the fourth grade, in compliance with the Georgia Promotion, Placement, and Retention law (O.C.G.A. §§ 20-2-282 through 20-2-285) and State Board of Education Rule (160-4-2-.11).

Beginning with the current 2004-05 school year, the implementation of the Georgia Promotion, Placement, and Retention law (O.C.G.A. §§ 20-2-282 through 20-2-285) and State Board of Education Rule (160-4-2-.11) will take effect for students in Grade 5. All fifth grade students must achieve grade level scores on the Georgia Criterion Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) in Reading and Mathematics in order to be promoted to the sixth grade. (Retrieved from the Georgia Department of Education website.)

The Georgia Writing Assessment

Students in 5th grade will participate in the Georgia Writing Assessment on Wednesday, March 2, 2011. 

  The Purpose of the Georgia Writing Assessment

Student writing samples are evaluated on an analytic scoring system in all grades to provide diagnostic feedback to teachers, students, and parents about individual performance. The writing assessments provide information to students about their writing performance and areas of strength and challenge. This information is useful for instruction and preparation for future writing assessments.  (Retrieved from the Georgia Department of Education website.)

Test Taking Tips

1.  Be aware of key words such as "all", "now", "never", "only", and "exactly".

2.  Read everything! (Title, introduction, italics, and subtitles)

3.  Read the question carefully.  Read all the choices and choose the best answer.

4.  Look for key words in the question.  Be sure you understand what is being asked.  Use all the information given.

5.  Never leave an answer blank.  It is better to make an educated guess than leave a question blank.

6.  When unsure of an answer, eliminate choices you know are wrong.

7.  If you do not know the answer, but do know the process, try working back from the answer choices.

8.  If you cannot solve a problem, go to the next one and return to the skipped problem later.  Be sure to skip that number on your answer sheet.

9.  Check your place to be sure you mark the answer number that goes with the question number.

10.  Check your answer to see if it makes sense.  Always double check your answer!

11.  Keep an eye on the time.  If you finish before the testing session is over, start at the beginning.  Reread selections, questions, and choices.  Check answers and think again about the questions you thought were hardest.

12.  Make sure you go to bed early each night of the CRCT testing.  You want to be rested when you take the test.

13.  Eat a healthy breakfast each morning.  It is easier to concentrate on the test when your stomach is not growling!

14.  Wear comfortable clothing each day of the test.  You do not want to be too hot or too cold when you are trying to take the test.

15.  Your first choice is usually correct.  Don't change an answer unless you have a good reason to do so.

16.  Watch for negative words like "not", "no, and "never".

17.  Make sure that you are at school everyday of testing!

18.  Be sure to listen carefully for instructions that your teacher reads at the beginning of the test each day.

19.  Be sure to stay focused on the test even if other students finish earlier than you.

20.  Be on time for school each day of the test!

21.  If you wear glasses, make sure you bring them and wear them during testing.

22.  Take your time.  Remember the test is not a race.

23.  Think positive!  You have worked hard all year!  You are ready for the test!

24.  If you finish before other students in your class, be sure to sit quietly until the test is over.

25.  Don't get upset or frustrated if you come to a difficult question.  Take a deep breath and try your best.

26.  If you are given paper to work out math problems, use it!  Don't try to work them out in your head.

27.  Before taking the reading portion be sure to read the questions and then read the passage.  This will help you know what to look for when you are reading the selection.

28.  Believe in yourself and do your best!