Foundations
What foundational concept requires students to connect spoken sounds with written letters to decode and encode words?
What is phonics?
What three components make up the study of grammar conventions in the Language domain?
What are grammar, usage, and mechanics?
What three key elements shape the relationship between an author and their text?
What are author, purpose, and audience?
What does it mean when students approach texts for multiple purposes and tasks?
What is Engagement & Intention?
Which document outlines the structure of the Milestones test, including item types and reporting categories?
What is the Test Blueprint?
In grades 3–5, what major handwriting expectation is added to build on print skills learned in K–2
What is cursive handwriting?
Which aspect of language focuses on how word order affects meaning and clarity in sentences?
What is syntax?
In grades 3–5, how do students analyze how purpose and audience influence a text?
What is, By describing how an author’s choices fit the audience and purpose.
When students think about the author, audience, context, and purpose of a text, which big idea are they using?
What is Situating Texts?
What resource describes the traits and criteria used to evaluate the quality of student writing?
What is the Writing Rubric?
Which aspect of fluency includes reading with speed, accuracy, and appropriate expression?
What is oral reading fluency?)
What process do students use to break down parts of words, such as prefixes, suffixes, and roots, to determine meaning?
What is morphology or word analysis?
Which major concept asks students to study how texts are organized and how that affects meaning?
What is structure and organization?
When a student analyzes how an author structures a text to influence the reader, which big idea are they applying?
What is Author’s Craft?
What tool helps students double-check that they have addressed essential parts of their writing before submitting?
What is the Writer’s Checklist?
Double Jeopardy: How does increased rigor in phonics for grades 3–5 differ from K–2?
What is, Students apply phonics knowledge to more complex words and more challenging texts?
Double Jeopardy: According to the standards, what are the three types of vocabulary students should develop?
What are general vocabulary, academic vocabulary, and specialized vocabulary?)
Double Jeopardy: What techniques do 3rd–5th graders learn to use when writing an opinion or expository piece?
What are opinion techniques and expository techniques?
Double Jeopardy: What does “reading like a writer” help students do when constructing their own texts?
What is, It helps them apply techniques and structures intentionally to improve their writing.
Double Jeopardy: What do Achievement Level Descriptors (ALDs) explain about a student’s test performance?
They describe the knowledge and skills students must show to reach each achievement level.)
This foundational skill develops students’ ability to transcribe their thoughts clearly by forming letters and words legibly and efficiently.
What is handwriting fluency?
In the Language domain, how does analyzing grammar and usage while reading support students when they construct their own texts?
It helps them apply correct structures, use conventions purposefully, and write with clarity and precision.
When students compare the craft and style of two different texts, which big idea are they applying?
What is Structure & Style?
When students build and share knowledge by working together or presenting their work, what literacy practice are they demonstrating?
What is Collaboration & Presentation?
True or False: All grade levels take a writing task on Georgia Milestones ELA
What is False — grades 4, 6, and 7 do not have a writing task but still use rubrics and checklists for instruction.)