TAKS+Practice

TAKS- Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills

Third grade is the very first year students take the TAKS, or Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, test. Until now, the focus in school as been on learning to read. However, in third grade, the focus shifts to reading to learn. Students are assessed on their ability to use multiple comprehension strategies accurately while reading for a sustained amount of time.

The TAKS test consists of three passages that are roughly 2-3 pages long. One of these will be a non-ficiton reading piece. Each passage is followed by a series of questions testing students comprehension. The test itself can be very stressful to students. In class, we practice the reading strategies we learn mainly on real books. However, sometimes when students read passages, or the articles that are on paper instead of in a book, it seems more intimidating.

It is imperative that we inform students about how to take the TAKS test and provide ample opportunities for practice. Because we do not spend a lot of class time doing this, you can play a big part in helping your child succeed at home. Below are links to three different online reading practice tests. Feel free to use these as you would like. Parents, if you would like to just use this as a guide to preview just what your child will be expected to do, use it that way. Your child can also sit and take the actual test online and get a score. How you use this resource is up to you!

[|April 2003 Online Reading TAKS Practice Test]

[|February 2006 Online Reading TAKS Practice Test]

[|April 2004 Online Reading TAKS Practice Test]

 If you are interested in providing your child with additional practice at home, most teacher stores carry TAKS practice books for specific grade level. Some popular series are books such as TAKS Busters and TAKS Masters.