Elementary School College and Career Preparation

Preparing Your Elementary Student for College and Career Success

Preparing your child for their college education and career options starts in elementary school. The information here outlines a variety of academic skills and planning activities for parents/guardians to help them know how to best support their elementary school child's progress toward success.

Academic skills are taught across multiple courses and are not limited to one specific subject or class.

What's on This Page?

  • Highlights of skills elementary students should possess when they transition to middle school.
  • Tips for families on preparing students for college and career choices.
  • How families can support students when they are taking standardized tests such as TCAP and the ACT.
  • Links to information about tests and assessments students will take in elementary school.

Skills Your Child Will Learn by Subject Area

For detailed curriculum information, please visit the Curriculum and Instruction webpage.

English 

  • Write both simple and compound sentences.
  • Correctly use different parts of speech.
  • Know when to use commas and conjunctions.
  • Add details to writing to make ideas clearer.
  • Use words that connect ideas and sentences together.
  • Listen to feedback from teachers and peers to improve writing.

Reading 

  • Use various texts and find evidence to support their ideas.
  • Identify main ideas and distinguish facts from opinions.
  • Understand authors' intentions and compare different parts of texts.
  • Explain their understanding, consider multiple viewpoints, and predict outcomes.
  • Analyze cause and effect relationships and think creatively about solutions.

Math 

  • Add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers, decimals, and fractions.
  • Choose the best mathematical strategy to solve real-world problems.
  • Understand and interpret information shown in graphs and charts.
  • Use data from charts to solve real-life problems.
  • Solve challenging math problems and make certain the answer makes sense.
  • Use estimation to find solutions to problems.
  • Find the perimeter and area of shapes and the volume of objects.
  • Plot points on a number line and graph.
  • Compare and order whole numbers, decimals, and fractions.
  • Convert units of measurement and use them to solve problems in real life.

Science 

  • Make observations and do experiments to learn about the world.
  • Use graphs, tables, charts, and tools to organize and understand information.
  • Learn how to analyze information to solve scientific problems.
  • Use these skills in life science, physical science, and earth and space science.

Preparing for the Future

Steps for Supporting Your Student

  • Help your child to set academic goals and celebrate when they achieve them.
  • Talk with your child about their future plans and connect those plans to the education or training they will need.
  • Celebrate your child's achievements, whether big or small.
  • Teach your child about making choices and understanding the outcomes.
  • Encourage your child to always put forth their best effort.
  • Find volunteer opportunities for you and your child to do together.
  • Emphasize the importance of being reliable and dependable.
  • Teach your child how to communicate effectively in different settings.

Preparing for Standardized Tests

Talking to your child about standardized tests such as TCAP and the ACT

  • Encourage your child to believe in themselves.
  • Stay positive about tests and reinforce the importance of doing their best.
  • Encourage your child to take challenging classes and persevere through difficulties.
  • Help your child understand how to manage their time during class and tests.
  • Talk with your child about their areas of strength and areas of particular difficulty.
  • Encourage improvement and growth.
  • Seek help from peers, family, and the community when needed.

District and State Assessments Schedule and Overview

Students will take a number of assessments while in school. Listed below are the primary assessments administered by MNPS during elementary school. Specific test dates and additional information can be found on the District Testing and Assessments webpage.

Please contact your child's school to access and discuss individual student results.

  • District Benchmark for students in grades 3, 4, and 5.
    • This test is administered at the end of the first, second, and third quarters of the school year, and provides results in math, reading, and science.
  • ELPA21 is an English language proficiency test for students who are English language learners.
    • The test is administered in February through April and measures a student's progress toward English language proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking.
  • FastBridge for students in kindergarten through 5th grade.
    • The administration windows are August, January, and April. Results are reported in math and reading.
  • TCAP Achievement is the state assessment for students in grades 3, 4, and 5.
    • The test is administered in April and returns results in math, reading, and science.