These Standards establish four Gateways. Each Gateway has requirements students must meet before they can be promoted to the next grade or receive a high school diploma. It is important for parents and students to understand that even if students do not meet the gateway standards the first time they try, they will receive the help they need to reach grade level. Being prepared to be successful at the next level is what the standards are all about. Fifth Grade is the Second Gateway Fifth grade is an important year for students.
Fifth graders strengthen and refine the skills and knowledge they have learned in elementary school.
During their last year of elementary school, fifth graders are preparing to make the transition into the middle grades where they will prepare for the rigors of high school level work. The fifth grade gateway is an opportunity for educators to be sure that all students leave the elementary grades fully prepared for success in the middle grades. Fifth graders are not strangers to standardized testing. Students should be familiar with techniques for successful standardized test-taking, including using strategies to cope with questions about which he or she is unsure. Local requirements are very important, and may exceed the state requirements.