National Standards for Grade 4 - Mathematics

NAEP Mathematics Achievement Level Descriptions

Basic

Fourth-grade students performing at the Basic level should show some evidence of understanding the mathematical concepts and procedures in the five NAEP content areas.

Fourth graders performing at the Basic level should be able to estimate and use basic facts to perform simple computations with whole numbers; show some understanding of fractions and decimals; and solve some simple real-world problems in all NAEP content areas. Students at this level should be able to use—though not always accurately—four-function calculators, rulers, and geometric shapes. Their written ­responses are often minimal and presented without supporting information.

Proficient

Fourth-grade students performing at the Proficient level should consistently apply integrated procedural knowledge and conceptual understanding to problem solving in the five NAEP content areas.

Fourth graders performing at the Proficient level should be able to use whole numbers to estimate, compute, and determine whether results are reasonable. They should have a conceptual understanding of fractions and decimals; be able to solve real-world problems in all NAEP content areas; and use four-function calculators, rulers, and geometric shapes appropriately. Students performing at the Proficient level should employ problem-solving strategies such as identifying and using appropriate information. Their written solutions should be organized and presented both with supporting information and explanations of how they were achieved.

Advanced

Fourth-grade students performing at the Advanced level should apply integrated procedural knowledge and conceptual understanding to complex and non-routine real-world problem solving in the five NAEP content areas.

Fourth graders performing at the Advanced level should be able to solve complex non-routine real-world problems in all NAEP content areas. They should display mastery in the use of four-function calculators, rulers, and geometric shapes. These students are expected to draw logical conclusions and justify answers and solution processes by explaining why, as well as how, they were achieved. They should go beyond the obvious in their interpretations and be able to communicate their thoughts clearly and concisely.

NAEP Mathematics Objectives – Mathematical Content Areas

Number Properties and Operations

Number sense is a major expectation of the 2007 NAEP. At fourth grade, students are expected to have a solid grasp of whole numbers, as represented by the decimal system, and to have the beginnings of understanding fractions.

Measurement

In this NAEP Mathematics Framework, attributes such as capacity, weight/mass, time, and temperature are included, as well as the geometric attributes of length, area, and volume. Although many of these attributes are included in the grade 4 framework, the emphasis is on length, including perimeter, distance, and height.