Are you looking to start planning out your 5th Grade Math units for the year? Save yourself some time – I’m here to help!
My secret to 5th Grade Math success has been having a clear plan for mapping out the year. Knowing the units that I’m teaching and having my assessments organized allows me to put my focus on instruction. I have used both printable and digital assessments over the last few years and with increased virtual learning, the digital assessments have been really helpful.
My Process for Each Unit
- Pre-assess my students at the beginning of the unit
- Use pre-assessment data to determine which students have already had exposure to the skills; form small groups
- Introduce the unit and build on each skill through mini-lessons, small group work, and independent practice
- Frequently assess students using quizzes, quick checks (exit tickets), performance assessments, and informal assessments
- Review all of the skills in the unit in preparation for the formative assignment (I use my Task Tents™ to review while getting students up and around the room)
- Provide students with a post-assessment on all of the skills taught throughout the unit
- Review and compare the pre and post-assessments to analyze student growth
- Use post-assessment data to determine students who may need additional interventions/tutorials on skills that weren’t mastered
The Units and Standards
I follow the Georgia Department of Education’s units for 5th Grade Math. The standards are grouped in a way that I feel is logical and appropriately builds on each skill through each unit. All of the standards align with the Common Core State Standards as well.
The Tests
I have used both printable tests as well as digital tests for each of these units.
Both the digital and printable versions contain:
- A 20 question, multiple-choice pre-test
- A different 20 question, multiple-choice post-test
- A study guide with answer key
- A student goals sheet for documenting growth from the pre-test to the post-test
Digital Tests
With the digital tests, students are assessed in Google Forms. See how I administer these and analyze the data in the video below.
Printable Tests
The printable tests come with spreadsheets. I have created a tutorial video to show you how to use the Excel data sheets. This allows you to drive your instruction and differentiate for students based on the pre-test mastery data. You can also use it to measure student growth. (PERFECT to show your administrators).
The Quizzes
I use quizzes organized by standard so I can check student progress throughout the unit.
Digital Quizzes
Digital assessments allow students the opportunity to practice using technology. I also find it helfpul for organizing and keeping data that I can use to help with instruction and interventions. In addition, it’s also great for providing admin with documentation.
When I’m unable to access technology, I provide students with printable quizzes. This allows students to show their thinking as they solve the problems.
Having set units and well-planned 5th Grade Math assessments helps me stay organized and focus on planning my lessons. It’s also helped me communicate better with parents regarding the curriculum.
