Modified Curriculum
Standards-Based
Benchmarks
for
Renaissance Gifted Academy
Grade 4
A parent’s guide
READING
Reads closely to determine key ideas and details in a variety of texts
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Applies reading strategies before, during, and after reading (predicting,
questioning, making connections, visualizing, making inferences, determining
importance, understanding text structure, summarizing)
Notes miscues that interfere with meaning and uses self-correction strategies
Reads appropriate level materials independently for 30 minutes daily and can
re-tell, summarize or respond to that reading
Understands how authors use elements and techniques in literature
Quotes accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and
when drawing inferences
Determines theme or main ideas & explains how they are supported by details
Explains how an author uses reasons and evidence to support points in a text
Uses knowledge of words / vocabulary to understand text
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Uses appropriate strategies to decode unknown words, including general
academic and domain-specific words and phrases, when reading abilityappropriate text (illustrations, letter-sound correspondences, word/syllabication
patterns, morphology, context, rereads, reads ahead, word analysis)
Uses vocabulary skills to read and understand ability-appropriate text, including
general academic and domain-specific words and phrases (synonyms,
antonyms, homonyms, homographs, compound words)
Determines the meaning of words and phrases, including figurative language
such as metaphors and similes
Uses common Greek & Latin affixes & roots as clues to the meaning of a word
Consults reference materials to find the pronunciation and determine or clarity
the precise meaning of key words and phrases
Recognizes and explains the meaning of common idioms, adages and
proverbs
Integrates various print resources to make connections,
comparisons, and understand text
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Compares and contrasts the relationships between two or more individuals,
events or concepts in literature and historical, scientific or technical texts.
Explains how a series of chapters, scenes or stanzas fit together to provide the
overall structure of a piece of writing
Describes how a narrator’s or speaker’s point of view influences how events
are described
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Compares and contrasts stories in the same genre on their approaches to
similar themes and topics
Compares and contrasts the overall structure (e.g. chronology, comparison,
cause/effect) of events, ideas, concepts or information in two or more texts
Analyzes multiple accounts of the same event or topic
Draws on and integrates information from multiple sources
Reads with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support
comprehension
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Reads ability-level literature and informational texts with purpose,
understanding and sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension
Reads ability-appropriate materials with attention to rate, expression, accuracy
and phrasing that sounds like everyday speech
LANGUAGE ARTS
Writes opinion, informative/explanatory, and narrative pieces for a
variety of audiences
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Maintains topic focus, introduces clearly, uses support and elaboration, creates
a logical organizational structure, provides a concluding statement or section
o Opinion pieces: states opinion, provides logically ordered reasons,
supports with facts and details, links opinion and reasons
o Informative/explanatory texts: develops topic with facts, definitions,
concrete details, quotations, etc., links ideas within and across
categories, uses precise language and domain-specific vocabulary
o Narratives: establishes a situation, introduces narrator/characters,
uses narrative techniques such as dialogue, descriptions and pacing,
uses transitional words, phrases and clauses, uses concrete words,
phrases and sensory details
 Develops and strengthens writing by planning, revising, editing, rewriting or
trying a new approach
Uses language skills to gather, evaluate, and share information
 Finds and organizes information to answer questions and solve problems
 Shares learned information through writing or speaking
 Draws evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis,
reflection and research
 Conducts short research projects that use several sources to build knowledge
through investigation of different aspects of a topic
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Recalls relevant information from experiences or gathers relevant information
from print and digital sources; summarizes or paraphrases information in notes
and finished work, provides a list of sources
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Demonstrates understanding of standard English conventions when
writing
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Uses correct spelling, grammar, punctuation and capitalization
o Explains the function of conjunctions, prepositions and interjections
o Form and use the perfect verb tenses
o Use correlative conjunctions (e.g. either/or, neither/nor)
o Use punctuation to separate items in a series
o Use a comma to separate an introductory element from the rest of
the sentence
o Use a comma to set off the words yes and no, to set off a tag
question from the rest of the sentence and to indicate direct address
o Use underlining, quotation marks or italics to indicate titles of works
o Spell ability-appropriate words correctly, consults needed references
Uses technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well
as to interact and collaborate with others
Demonstrates sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of
one page in a single sitting
Speaks and listens effectively for situations and audiences
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Engages effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in
groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and
expressing their own clearly
Comes to discussions prepared, having read or studied required material;
explicitly draw on that and other information known about the topic to explore
ideas under discussion
Report on a topic or text or present an opinion, sequencing ideas logically and
using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas
or themes; speak clearly at an understandable pace
Includes multimedia components (e.g., graphics, sound) and visual displays in
presentations to enhance the development of main ideas or themes
Reviews the key ideas expressed and draw conclusions in light of information
and knowledge gained from the discussions.
Summarizes the points a speaker makes and explain how each claim is
supported by reasons and evidence.
Adapts speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, using formal English when
appropriate to task and situation.
MATH
Applies knowledge of numbers and operations to solve problems
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Solves multi-step word problems with whole numbers, decimals and fractions
Uses parentheses in numerical expressions & evaluates expressions with them
Writes simple expressions that record calculations with numbers, and interprets
numerical expressions without evaluating them. For example, express the
calculation “add 8 and 7, then multiply by 2” as 2 × (8 + 7). Recognize that 3 ×
(18932 + 921) is three times as large as 18932 + 921.
Fluently multiply multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm.
Find quotients with up to four-digit dividends and single-digit divisors, using
strategies based on place value, the properties of operations, and/or the
relationship between multiplication and division. Illustrate and explain the
calculation by using equations, rectangular arrays, and/or area models.
Adds and subtracts fractions with unlike denominators (including mixed
numbers) by replacing given fractions with equivalent fractions in such a way
as to produce an equivalent sum or difference of fractions with like
denominators. For example, 2/3 + 5/4 = 8/12 + 15/12 = 23/12
Explains why a fraction a/b is equivalent to a fraction (n × a)/(n × b) by using
visual fraction models, with attention to how the number and size of the parts
differ even though the two fractions themselves are the same size. Use this
principle to recognize and generate equivalent fractions.
Solves word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions, including
cases of unlike denominators. Uses benchmark fractions and number sense of
fractions to estimate mentally and assess the reasonableness of answers (e.g.
recognizes an incorrect result 2/5 + 1/2 = 3/7, by observing that 3/7 < 1/2.
Interprets the product (a/b) × q as a parts of a partition of q into b equal parts;
equivalently, as the result of a sequence of operations a × q ÷ b. For example,
use a visual fraction model to show (2/3) × 4 = 8/3.
Builds fractions from unit fractions by applying and extending previous
understandings of operations on whole numbers.
Understands addition and subtraction of fractions as joining and separating
parts referring to the same whole. Adds and subtracts mixed numbers with like
denominators, e.g., by replacing each mixed number with a fraction.
Decomposes a fraction into a sum of fractions with the same denominator in
more than one way, recording each decomposition by an equation. Examples:
3/8 = 1/8 + 1/8 + 1/8 ; 3/8 = 1/8 + 2/8 ; 2 1/8 = 1 + 1 + 1/8 = 8/8 + 8/8 + 1/8.
Add, subtract and multiply decimals to hundredths, using concrete models or
drawings and strategies based on place value, properties of operations, and/or
the relationship between addition and subtraction; relate the strategy to a
written method and explain the reasoning used.
Find all factor pairs for a whole number in the range 1–100. Recognize that a
whole number is a multiple of each of its factors. Determine whether a given
whole number in the range 1–100 is a multiple of a given one-digit number.
Determine whether a given whole number in the range 1–100 is prime or
composite.
Applies and interprets concepts of measurement tools and data
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Measures accurately in the English and Metric systems
Solves problems involving perimeter, area and volume of irregular shapes
Graphs ordered pairs and uses statistics to solve word problems (mean,
median, mode, range)
Reads, identifies, analyzes and constructs data in graphs
Translates probability data as fractions, ratios and percents
Demonstrates understanding of simple algebraic concepts
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Evaluates algebraic expressions
Writes an expression using variables to represent unknown quantities
Generates two numerical patterns using two given rules. Identifies apparent
relationships between corresponding terms. Forms ordered pairs consisting of
corresponding terms from the two patterns, and graphs the ordered pairs on a
coordinate plane. For example, given the rule “Add 3” and the starting number
0, and given the rule “Add 6” and the starting number 0, generate terms in the
resulting sequences, and observe that the terms in one sequence are twice the
corresponding terms in the other sequence. Explain informally why this is so.
Understands and applies concepts of geometry
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Classifies angles and properties of triangles
Applies the terms similar, congruent, reflection, rotation and translation
Understands concepts of angle and measures angles: An angle is measured
with reference to a circle with its center at the common endpoint of the rays, by
considering the fraction of the circular arc between the points where the two
rays intersect the circle. An angle that turns through 1/360 of a circle is called a
“one-degree angle,” and can be used to measure angles. An angle that turns
through n one-degree angles is said to have an angle measure of n degrees.
Measures angles in whole-number degrees using a protractor. Sketches
angles of specified measure.
Understands and applies place value concepts
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Recognizes that in a multi-digit number, a digit in one place represents 10
times as much as it represents in the place to its right and 1/10 of what it
represents in the place to its left.
Reads, writes, and compares decimals to thousandths.
o Read and write decimals to thousandths using base-ten numerals,
number names, and expanded form, e.g., 347.392 = 3 × 100 + 4 × 10
+ 7 × 1 + 3 × (1/10) + 9 × (1/100) + 2 × (1/1000).
o Compare two decimals to thousandths based on meanings of the
digits in each place, using >, =, and < symbols to record the results.
Uses place value understanding to round decimals to any place.
SCIENCE & HEALTH
Understands the concepts of life, physical, and earth/space science
and their interconnectedness
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Describes the way scientists classify living things
Describes how organisms become adapted to their environment
Identifies natural cycles in an ecosystem (e.g., carbon dioxide, nitrogen and
water cycles)
Identifies components of plant and animal cells
Relates human body structures to function, e.g. muscular, skeletal, respiratory,
circulatory, digestive, nervous systems
Identifies how energy can be changed
Identifies properties of matter
Identifies common applications of simple machines
Identifies terms to measure motion (speed and velocity)
Understands that current electricity is different from static electricity
Constructs open, closed, parallel and series circuits
Identifies relationships between electricity and magnetism; identifies how
electrons cause objects to attract and repel and how they flow in a circuit
Describes how scientists use instruments to study planets and stars
Observes, records and analyzes patterns in day and night skies
Uses inquiry process and concepts of technological design
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Collects data for investigations using the scientific process skills including
observing, estimating and measuring
Identifies a design problem and proposes possible solutions
Makes connections between science and society
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Demonstrates ways to avoid injury when conducting science activities (e.g.,
wearing goggles, using a fire extinguisher)
Explains how technology is used in science for a variety of purposes (e.g.,
sample collection, storage and treatment, measurement)
Understands the basic principles of health and well-being
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Demonstrates strategies for the prevention and reduction of communicable and
non-communicable disease
Describes and compares health and safety methods that reduce the risks
associated with dangerous situations
Explains relationships between the environment and individual health
Identifies positive and negative effects of health-related actions
SOCIAL STUDIES Effectively uses reading and writing strategies
to:
Demonstrate understanding of political systems
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Explains the structure and function of Illinois governments (local, county, state)
and their relationships to the national government
Explains the basic principles of the United States government including
structures and functions of the federal government and the rights and
responsibilities of citizens (e.g., the Constitution, influence of individuals and
political parties)
Demonstrate understanding of economic systems
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Explains the influence of economics on the development of the Unites States
(e.g., exploration/trade; Westward expansion; Industrialization)
Demonstrate understanding of local, state, and U.S. history
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Analyzes and interprets historical stories and events using primary source
documents, timelines, images, maps, literary works and non-literary works
Identifies and explains how and why exploration and expansion impacted the
development of the United States
Analyzes how the positive and negative interactions of individuals, social
groups, systems and institutions influenced the development of the US
Examines key individuals and events that had political, economic and social
impact upon the state of Illinois (e.g., Pulaski, Lincoln, Grant, Reagan, the
Great Chicago Fire, Chicago’s influence)
Examines daily life in the Middle Ages through multiple reference materials,
describes how culture today is influenced by the culture of the Middle Ages
Demonstrate understanding of geography
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Explains how geographical factors and location influence the development of
Illinois, the United States and Europe through analysis of maps, charts, globes,
graphs, diagrams, models, etc.
Demonstrate understanding of social systems
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Explains how cultural, economic, geographic and political factors influenced
immigration to the western hemisphere (e.g., Asian, European)
Compares and contrasts historical explorers with those of today
Identifies current events affecting cultures around the world