Each state may have its own set of specific benchmarks for each grade. Teachers are required to meet these standards during classroom instruction, as well as measure students' achievement to report to administration and parents. In some cases, children need more time or extensive assistance learning specific skills. For these kids, it may be beneficial for a tutor to instruct on a one-to-one basis. The following is a brief overview of some of the necessary objectives for each level.
Kindergarten begins with knowledge of shapes, numbers and counting and using a one-to-one correspondence with objects in addition to solving simple word problems involving joining and taking away, and comparing objects in relation to size or measurement amount.
First grade skills include counting strategies and recognizing number patterns. Students should know numbers in relation to tens and ones, write and solve one-digit addition and subtraction problems, and understand units of measure. Second grade will know place value to 100, add and subtract three-digit numbers, estimate a solution, and have knowledge of odd versus even numbers. Efficiency in multistep word problems, telling time to the hour and half-hour mark, along with knowledge of currency of change to $1 and bills to $100 is also needed.
Third and fourth grade skills include multiplication and division facts, fractions, numbers to 100,000s, telling time to the nearest minute, and calculating elapsed time. Understanding of charts and graphs, problem solving using multiplication and division, multiplying multidigit numbers and decimals to the 1000th is necessary. Fourth grade advances to numbers through the millions, calculating area using the base and height, and comparing and ordering decimals and fractions.
Fifth grade will calculate quotients mentally, divide multidigit numbers with remainders or decimals, add and subtract decimals and fractions. Have knowledge of prime factorization, order of operations, real world positive and negative numbers, surface area, and line and double bar graphs.
Sixth grade multiplies and divides fractions and decimals in standard form or word problems, compares ratio and rates, solve one- and two-step linear equations and inequalities, and solve problems given a formula. These students also know the properties of math, the concept of pi, and the mean, median and mode.