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    States · AL

    Alabama Grade 3 standards crosswalk

    How each national third grade standard lines up with Alabama's own standards.

    How to read this

    Each row takes one national third grade standard and shows the Alabama standard that covers it. Same: the state standard says the same thing. Close: the same skill with small wording differences. Partly: the state covers only part of it in Grade 3. Not in Grade 3: the state has no Grade 3 standard for it (the note says where it sits, when the state says). Third Grade teaches every national standard listed here; the notes tell you what, if anything, to adjust for Alabama.

    Checked 2026-10-08 against official Alabama documents. This is an unofficial guide; your state's own documents are the authority.

    Math

    2019 Alabama Course of Study: Mathematics

    How Alabama writes its codes: Standards are numbered 1 to 26 within the grade under content-area headings, with lettered parts, for example 7a (Grade 3, standard 7, part a); the state's ALEX site writes this as MA19.3.7a.

    National standards under the state's own codes · adopted 2019

    20 same · 16 close · 1 partly · 0 not in Grade 3

    National standardAlabama code(s)MatchNote
    3.OA.A.1

    Interpret products of whole numbers, e.g., interpret 5 × 7 as the total number of objects in 5 groups of 7 objects each. For example, describe a context in which a total number of objects can be expressed as 5 × 7.

    1Same
    3.OA.A.2

    Interpret whole-number quotients of whole numbers, e.g., interpret 56 ÷ 8 as the number of objects in each share when 56 objects are partitioned equally into 8 shares, or as a number of shares when 56 objects are partitioned into equal shares of 8 objects each. For example, describe a context in which a number of shares or a number of groups can be expressed as 56 ÷ 8.

    2Same
    3.OA.A.3

    Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems in situations involving equal groups, arrays, and measurement quantities, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.

    3Same
    3.OA.A.4

    Determine the unknown whole number in a multiplication or division equation relating three whole numbers. For example, determine the unknown number that makes the equation true in each of the equations 8 × ? = 48, 5 = □ ÷ 3, 6 × 6 = ?.

    4Same
    3.OA.B.5

    Apply properties of operations as strategies to multiply and divide.

    5Same
    3.OA.B.6

    Understand division as an unknown-factor problem. For example, find 32 ÷ 8 by finding the number that makes 32 when multiplied by 8.

    6Same
    3.OA.C.7

    Fluently multiply and divide within 100, using strategies such as the relationship between multiplication and division (e.g., knowing that 8 × 5 = 40, one knows 40 ÷ 5 = 8) or properties of operations. By the end of Grade 3, know from memory all products of two one-digit numbers.

    7, 7a, 7bSame
    3.OA.D.8

    Solve two-step word problems using the four operations. Represent these problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity. Assess the reasonableness of answers using mental computation and estimation strategies including rounding.

    8Same
    3.OA.D.9

    Identify arithmetic patterns (including patterns in the addition table or multiplication table), and explain them using properties of operations. For example, observe that 4 times a number is always even, and explain why 4 times a number can be decomposed into two equal addends.

    9Same
    3.NBT.A.1

    Use place value understanding to round whole numbers to the nearest 10 or 100.

    10Same
    3.NBT.A.2

    Fluently add and subtract within 1000 using strategies and algorithms based on place value, properties of operations, and/or the relationship between addition and subtraction.

    11CloseState says 'use various strategies' to add and subtract fluently within 1000; algorithms are not named.
    3.NBT.A.3

    Multiply one-digit whole numbers by multiples of 10 in the range 10—90 (e.g., 9 × 80, 5 × 60) using strategies based on place value and properties of operations.

    12CloseState asks for concrete materials and pictorial models to find the products; same number range (multiples of ten from 10 to 90).
    3.NF.A.1

    Understand a fraction 1/b as the quantity formed by 1 part when a whole is partitioned into b equal parts; understand a fraction a/b as the quantity formed by a parts of size 1/b.

    13Same
    3.NF.A.2

    Understand a fraction as a number on the number line; represent fractions on a number line diagram.

    14Same
    3.NF.A.2.a

    Represent a fraction 1/b on a number line diagram by defining the interval from 0 to 1 as the whole and partitioning it into b equal parts. Recognize that each part has size 1/b and that the endpoint of the part based at 0 locates the number 1/b on the number line.

    14aSame
    3.NF.A.2.b

    Represent a fraction a/b on a number line diagram by marking off a lengths 1/b from 0. Recognize that the resulting interval has size a/b and that its endpoint locates the number a/b on the number line.

    14bSame
    3.NF.A.3

    Explain equivalence of fractions in special cases, and compare fractions by reasoning about their size.

    15Same
    3.NF.A.3.a

    Understand two fractions as equivalent (equal) if they are the same size, or the same point on a number line.

    15CloseNo separate lettered part; covered within the parent standard (explain equivalence with visual fraction models and number lines).
    3.NF.A.3.b

    Recognize and generate simple equivalent fractions, e.g., 1/2 = 2/4, 4/6 = 2/3). Explain why the fractions are equivalent, e.g., by using a visual fraction model.

    15CloseNo separate lettered part; covered within the parent standard. Generating equivalent fractions such as 1/2 = 2/4 is not written out.
    3.NF.A.3.c

    Express whole numbers as fractions, and recognize fractions that are equivalent to whole numbers.

    15aSame
    3.NF.A.3.d

    Compare two fractions with the same numerator or the same denominator by reasoning about their size. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two fractions refer to the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, or <, and justify the conclusions, e.g., by using a visual fraction model.

    15bSame
    3.MD.A.1

    Tell and write time to the nearest minute and measure time intervals in minutes. Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of time intervals in minutes, e.g., by representing the problem on a number line diagram.

    18, 18aCloseState limits measured time intervals to within 90 minutes; otherwise the same.
    3.MD.A.2

    Measure and estimate liquid volumes and masses of objects using standard units of grams (g), kilograms (kg), and liters (l). Add, subtract, multiply, or divide to solve one-step word problems involving masses or volumes that are given in the same units, e.g., by using drawings (such as a beaker with a measurement scale) to represent the problem.

    19, 19aSame
    3.MD.B.3

    Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories. Solve one- and two-step "how many more" and "how many less" problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs. For example, draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets.

    16, 16bCloseSame graph work; the state standard also carries an added part on simple probability (16a).
    3.MD.B.4

    Generate measurement data by measuring lengths using rulers marked with halves and fourths of an inch. Show the data by making a line plot, where the horizontal scale is marked off in appropriate units— whole numbers, halves, or quarters.

    17Same
    3.MD.C.5

    Recognize area as an attribute of plane figures and understand concepts of area measurement.

    20, 21CloseNo separate standard on area as an attribute; covered by tiling and counting unit squares.
    3.MD.C.5.a

    A square with side length 1 unit, called "a unit square," is said to have "one square unit" of area, and can be used to measure area.

    21CloseUnit squares are used to measure area in standard 21; the definition of a unit square is not its own standard.
    3.MD.C.5.b

    A plane figure which can be covered without gaps or overlaps by n unit squares is said to have an area of n square units.

    20CloseState has children tile rectangles without gaps or overlays and count unit squares; not stated for plane figures in general.
    3.MD.C.6

    Measure areas by counting unit squares (square cm, square m, square in, square ft, and improvised units).

    21Same
    3.MD.C.7

    Relate area to the operations of multiplication and addition.

    22CloseState standard relates area to multiplication; the link to addition is carried by standard 23.
    3.MD.C.7.a

    Find the area of a rectangle with whole-number side lengths by tiling it, and show that the area is the same as would be found by multiplying the side lengths.

    20, 22CloseTiling is in standard 20 and the link to multiplication in 22; no single lettered part.
    3.MD.C.7.b

    Multiply side lengths to find areas of rectangles with whole-number side lengths in the context of solving real world and mathematical problems, and represent whole-number products as rectangular areas in mathematical reasoning.

    22CloseCovered within the parent standard (relate area to multiplication using real-world problems and mathematical reasoning).
    3.MD.C.7.c

    Use tiling to show in a concrete case that the area of a rectangle with whole-number side lengths a and b + c is the sum of a × b and a × c. Use area models to represent the distributive property in mathematical reasoning.

    22CloseStandard 22 names the distributive property; tiling to show it is not written out.
    3.MD.C.7.d

    Recognize area as additive. Find areas of rectilinear figures by decomposing them into non-overlapping rectangles and adding the areas of the non-overlapping parts, applying this technique to solve real world problems.

    23CloseState has children decompose rectilinear figures into rectangles to find area 'using concrete materials'; real-world problems are not named.
    3.MD.D.8

    Solve real world and mathematical problems involving perimeters of polygons, including finding the perimeter given the side lengths, finding an unknown side length, and exhibiting rectangles with the same perimeter and different areas or with the same area and different perimeters.

    24, 25CloseSame perimeter work in standards 24 and 25; the state limits finding an unknown side length to rectangles and names real-world problems only.
    3.G.A.1

    Understand that shapes in different categories (e.g., rhombuses, rectangles, and others) may share attributes (e.g., having four sides), and that the shared attributes can define a larger category (e.g., quadrilaterals). Recognize rhombuses, rectangles, and squares as examples of quadrilaterals, and draw examples of quadrilaterals that do not belong to any of these subcategories.

    26, 26aCloseState names polygons up to 8 sides and sorting by number of sides and square corners; shared attributes defining larger categories is less explicit.
    3.G.A.2

    Partition shapes into parts with equal areas. Express the area of each part as a unit fraction of the whole. For example, partition a shape into 4 parts with equal area, and describe the area of each part as 1/4 of the area of the shape.

    13PartlyStandard 13 covers a unit fraction as one part of an equally partitioned area model; there is no Grade 3 geometry standard on partitioning shapes.

    In Alabama's Grade 3 standards, not in the national list

    CodeWhat it asksIn Third Grade
    16aFind a simple probability from a situation shown in a picture.not taught

    English Language Arts

    2021 Alabama Course of Study: English Language Arts

    How Alabama writes its codes: Standards are numbered 1 to 42 within the grade, with lettered parts, plus five recurring K-3 standards R1 to R5, for example 8f (Grade 3, standard 8, part f); the state's ALEX site writes this as ELA21.3.8f.

    State-written standards · adopted 2021

    22 same · 46 close · 15 partly · 7 not in Grade 3

    National standardAlabama code(s)MatchNote
    RL.3.1

    Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.

    20PartlyState has children set a purpose and generate questions before reading (20); answering questions by pointing to the text is not its own standard.
    RL.3.2

    Recount stories, including fables, folktales, and myths from diverse cultures; determine the central message, lesson, or moral and explain how it is conveyed through key details in the text.

    22c, 19bCloseCentral message, theme or moral of myths, fables and folktales is 22c; recounting or summarizing key ideas is 19b.
    RL.3.3

    Describe characters in a story (e.g., their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events.

    22, 22a, 22bSame
    RL.3.4

    Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, distinguishing literal from nonliteral language.

    14e, 27CloseState says interpret figurative language and identify literary devices; literal versus nonliteral wording is not used.
    RL.3.5

    Refer to parts of stories, dramas, and poems when writing or speaking about a text, using terms such as chapter, scene, and stanza; describe how each successive part builds on earlier sections.

    24PartlyState has children identify text structures in literary texts (24); the terms chapter, scene and stanza and how each part builds on earlier parts are not stated.
    RL.3.6

    Distinguish their own point of view from that of the narrator or those of the characters.

    28PartlyState only asks children to identify narration as first person or third person; telling their own view from the narrator's is not stated.
    RL.3.7

    Explain how specific aspects of a text's illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a story (e.g., create mood, emphasize aspects of a character or setting).

    23bSame
    RL.3.9

    Compare and contrast the themes, settings, and plots of stories written by the same author about the same or similar characters (e.g., in books from a series).

    22d, 26bCloseState compares themes, settings and plots from any two texts and different versions of one story; same-author series not required.
    RL.3.10

    By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poetry, at the high end of the grades 2—3 text complexity band independently and proficiently.

    18CloseState expects independent reading of literary and informational texts shown through discussion or writing; no text-complexity band is stated.
    RI.3.1

    Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.

    20PartlyState has children set a purpose and generate questions before reading (20); answering questions by pointing to the text is not its own standard.
    RI.3.2

    Determine the main idea of a text; recount the key details and explain how they support the main idea.

    19, 19a, 19bSame
    RI.3.3

    Describe the relationship between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text, using language that pertains to time, sequence, and cause/effect.

    24, 24aCloseCovered as text structures (sequence of events, cause and effect, problem and solution) and how they add to meaning; history, science and procedures not named.
    RI.3.4

    Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases in a text relevant to a grade 3 topic or subject area.

    16Same
    RI.3.5

    Use text features and search tools (e.g., key words, sidebars, hyperlinks) to locate information relevant to a given topic efficiently.

    23, 23cCloseState lists text features such as headings, charts and legends, in print and digital formats; search tools and hyperlinks are not named.
    RI.3.6

    Distinguish their own point of view from that of the author of a text.

    —Not in Grade 3No Grade 3 standard on telling the reader's view from the author's; standard 25 has children tell facts from opinions instead.
    RI.3.7

    Use information gained from illustrations (e.g., maps, photographs) and the words in a text to demonstrate understanding of the text (e.g., where, when, why, and how key events occur).

    23aCloseState asks how text features support details in the text; using maps and photographs with the words is implied, not spelled out.
    RI.3.8

    Describe the logical connection between particular sentences and paragraphs in a text (e.g., comparison, cause/effect, first/second/third in a sequence).

    21, 24aCloseState covers this through cohesive devices that link words and sentences (21) and text structures such as comparison, sequence and cause and effect (24a).
    RI.3.9

    Compare and contrast the most important points and key details presented in two texts on the same topic.

    26, 26aPartlyState asks for text-to-text comparisons and similarities with texts read before; comparing key points of two texts on one topic is not specified.
    RI.3.10

    By the end of the year, read and comprehend informational texts, including history/social studies, science, and technical texts, at the high end of the grades 2—3 text complexity band independently and proficiently.

    18CloseState expects independent reading of literary and informational texts shown through discussion or writing; no text-complexity band is stated.
    RF.3.3

    Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.

    R2, 8, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8iCloseState spells out the phonics content in ten lettered parts and pairs decoding with encoding (spelling) throughout.
    RF.3.3.a

    Identify and know the meaning of the most common prefixes and derivational suffixes.

    15cSame
    RF.3.3.b

    Decode words with common Latin suffixes.

    8fCloseState says decode and encode words using prefixes, suffixes and roots; Latin suffixes are not singled out.
    RF.3.3.c

    Decode multisyllable words.

    8a, 8b, 9Same
    RF.3.3.d

    Read grade-appropriate irregularly spelled words.

    8j, 12CloseState treats these as high frequency words with regular and irregular spellings and warns against whole-word memorizing.
    RF.3.4

    Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.

    10Same
    RF.3.4.a

    Read grade-level text with purpose and understanding.

    10, 20CloseReading at a rate that supports comprehension is in standard 10; setting a purpose before reading is standard 20.
    RF.3.4.b

    Read grade-level prose and poetry orally with accuracy, appropriate rate, and expression on successive readings

    10, 11Same
    RF.3.4.c

    Use context to confirm or self-correct word recognition and understanding, rereading as necessary.

    —Not in Grade 3No Grade 3 standard on using context to self-correct word reading; the fluency standards (9 to 12) stress accuracy and automaticity.
    W.3.1

    Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons.

    35CloseState calls this writing an argument to convince the reader and asks for evidence from various sources.
    W.3.1.a

    Introduce the topic or text they are writing about, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure that lists reasons.

    35CloseNo lettered part; covered within the parent standard (an introduction and a position).
    W.3.1.b

    Provide reasons that support the opinion.

    35CloseNo lettered part; covered within the parent standard (logical reasoning supported by evidence from various sources).
    W.3.1.c

    Use linking words and phrases (e.g., because, therefore, since, for example) to connect opinion and reasons.

    41aCloseState asks for transition words and phrases for sentence variety in all writing; not tied to opinion pieces.
    W.3.1.d

    Provide a concluding statement or section.

    35CloseNo lettered part; covered within the parent standard (a conclusion).
    W.3.2

    Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

    34Same
    W.3.2.a

    Introduce a topic and group related information together; include illustrations when useful to aiding comprehension.

    34CloseNo lettered part; covered within the parent standard (an introduction). Grouping information and adding illustrations are not named.
    W.3.2.b

    Develop the topic with facts, definitions, and details.

    34, 40bCloseNo lettered part; covered within the parent standard (facts and relevant details with elaboration); 40b adds topic vocabulary. Definitions not named.
    W.3.2.c

    Use linking words and phrases (e.g., also, another, and, more, but) to connect ideas within categories of information.

    41aCloseState asks for transition words and phrases for sentence variety in all writing; not tied to informative pieces.
    W.3.2.d

    Provide a concluding statement or section.

    34CloseNo lettered part; covered within the parent standard (a conclusion).
    W.3.3

    Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.

    33Same
    W.3.3.a

    Establish a situation and introduce a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally.

    33CloseNo lettered part; covered within the parent standard (characters and a logical plot). A narrator is not named.
    W.3.3.b

    Use dialogue and descriptions of actions, thoughts, and feelings to develop experiences and events or show the response of characters to situations.

    33, 40aPartlyState names plot, characters and specific vocabulary to develop a story; dialogue and describing actions, thoughts and feelings are not stated.
    W.3.3.c

    Use temporal words and phrases to signal event order.

    33CloseNo lettered part; covered within the parent standard (transitions).
    W.3.3.d

    Provide a sense of closure.

    33CloseNo lettered part; covered within the parent standard (a sense of closure).
    W.3.4

    With guidance and support from adults, produce writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task and purpose.

    38PartlyState asks for a well-organized paragraph with topic sentence, supporting details and concluding sentence; fitting writing to task and purpose is not stated.
    W.3.5

    With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing.

    R5CloseA recurring K-3 standard: use a writing process to plan, draft, revise, edit and publish; adult and peer support is not mentioned.
    W.3.6

    With guidance and support from adults, use technology to produce and publish writing (using keyboarding skills) as well as to interact and collaborate with others.

    R4CloseA recurring K-3 standard on using digital tools for research and writing, alone and with others; keyboarding is not named.
    W.3.7

    Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic.

    39CloseState has children gather and evaluate information on a topic from varied sources and use it for a project, report or presentation; "short research projects" is not the wording.
    W.3.8

    Recall information from experiences or gather information from print and digital sources; take brief notes on sources and sort evidence into provided categories.

    39, 39aCloseState says gather and evaluate information from varied sources and use their own words; note-taking and sorting evidence into categories are not named.
    W.3.10

    Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.

    —Not in Grade 3No Grade 3 standard on writing routinely over short and extended time frames.
    SL.3.1

    Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 3 topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

    R1, 1Same
    SL.3.1.a

    Come to discussions prepared, having read or studied required material; explicitly draw on that preparation and other information known about the topic to explore ideas under discussion.

    18PartlyState expects content discussions that draw on independent reading (18); coming to discussions prepared is not stated.
    SL.3.1.b

    Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., gaining the floor in respectful ways, listening to others with care, speaking one at a time about the topics and texts under discussion).

    R1, 1Same
    SL.3.1.c

    Ask questions to check understanding of information presented, stay on topic, and link their comments to the remarks of others.

    4, 1aCloseState has children ask and answer questions in complete sentences and build on ideas already expressed; checking understanding is not named.
    SL.3.1.d

    Explain their own ideas and understanding in light of the discussion.

    1a, 5CloseState asks children to elaborate on responses and express ideas and opinions clearly and in logical sequence.
    SL.3.2

    Determine the main ideas and supporting details of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

    29CloseState asks for the main idea of a text read aloud or heard; supporting details and visual or quantitative media are not named.
    SL.3.3

    Ask and answer questions about information from a speaker, offering appropriate elaboration and detail.

    4CloseState says ask and answer questions in complete sentences with grade-level vocabulary; questioning a speaker is not specified.
    SL.3.4

    Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience with appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details, speaking clearly at an understandable pace.

    2, 2a, 5CloseState asks for oral presentations with complex sentences, suitable volume and clear pronunciation, for varied purposes and in logical sequence.
    SL.3.5

    Create engaging audio recordings of stories or poems that demonstrate fluid reading at an understandable pace; add visual displays when appropriate to emphasize or enhance certain facts or details.

    6PartlyState asks children to use digital tools to enhance oral presentations, working together; audio recordings of stories or poems are not named.
    SL.3.6

    Speak in complete sentences when appropriate to task and situation in order to provide requested detail or clarification.

    4CloseComplete sentences appear in standard 4 (asking and answering questions) rather than as a separate standard.
    L.3.1

    Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

    36Same
    L.3.1.a

    Explain the function of nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs in general and their functions in particular sentences.

    36bCloseState adds prepositions and conjunctions to the parts of speech children identify and explain.
    L.3.1.b

    Form and use regular and irregular plural nouns.

    36cSame
    L.3.1.c

    Use abstract nouns (e.g., childhood).

    —Not in Grade 3No Grade 3 standard names abstract nouns.
    L.3.1.d

    Form and use regular and irregular verbs.

    36cCloseOne state part covers forming plural nouns, verbs and possessives, including irregular verbs.
    L.3.1.e

    Form and use the simple (e.g., I walked; I walk; I will walk) verb tenses.

    15bPartlyState covers tense endings (-ed) only as a clue to word meaning; forming simple past, present and future tenses is not stated.
    L.3.1.f

    Ensure subject-verb and pronoun-antecedent agreement.

    37PartlySubject-verb agreement is required in standard 37; pronoun-antecedent agreement is not stated.
    L.3.1.g

    Form and use comparative and superlative adjectives and adverbs, and choose between them depending on what is to be modified.

    15bPartlyState covers -er and -est endings only as a clue to word meaning; forming and choosing comparatives and superlatives is not stated.
    L.3.1.h

    Use coordinating and subordinating conjunctions.

    30CloseState has children build compound sentences with coordinating conjunctions and complex sentences; subordinating conjunctions are not named.
    L.3.1.i

    Produce simple, compound, and complex sentences.

    37Same
    L.3.2

    Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

    36Same
    L.3.2.a

    Capitalize appropriate words in titles.

    36PartlyStandard 36 requires capitalization 'appropriate for third grade' without naming titles.
    L.3.2.b

    Use commas in addresses.

    36PartlyStandard 36 requires punctuation 'appropriate for third grade' without naming commas in addresses.
    L.3.2.c

    Use commas and quotation marks in dialogue.

    36PartlyStandard 36 requires punctuation 'appropriate for third grade' without naming commas and quotation marks in dialogue.
    L.3.2.d

    Form and use possessives.

    36cSame
    L.3.2.e

    Use conventional spelling for high-frequency and other studied words and for adding suffixes to base words (e.g., sitting, smiled, cries, happiness).

    32, 32c, 32dCloseState spelling standard is built on sound-spelling patterns, prefixes, suffixes and Latin roots rather than a list of studied words.
    L.3.2.f

    Use spelling patterns and generalizations (e.g., word families, position-based spellings, syllable patterns, ending rules, meaningful word parts) in writing words.

    32, 32a, 32bSame
    L.3.2.g

    Consult reference materials, including beginning dictionaries, as needed to check and correct spellings.

    —Not in Grade 3No Grade 3 standard on using dictionaries or other references to check spelling.
    L.3.3

    Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.

    41CloseState standard is about using words and phrases in writing for effect and elaboration; speaking, reading and listening are not named.
    L.3.3.a

    Choose words and phrases for effect.

    41Same
    L.3.3.b

    Recognize and observe differences between the conventions of spoken and written standard English.

    —Not in Grade 3No Grade 3 standard on differences between spoken and written English.
    L.3.4

    Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning word and phrases based on grade 3 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.

    13, 13a, 15CloseState splits this between connecting new vocabulary to known words and word structure (13) and analyzing meaningful word parts (15).
    L.3.4.a

    Use sentence-level context as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.

    14a, 14bCloseState names synonyms and antonyms in context as the clues to a word's meaning.
    L.3.4.b

    Determine the meaning of the new word formed when a known affix is added to a known word (e.g., agreeable/disagreeable, comfortable/uncomfortable, care/careless, heat/preheat).

    15a, 15cSame
    L.3.4.c

    Use a known root word as a clue to the meaning of an unknown word with the same root (e.g., company, companion).

    15a, 15dCloseState goes further: children identify common Latin and Greek roots and use them to work out unfamiliar words.
    L.3.4.d

    Use glossaries or beginning dictionaries, both print and digital, to determine or clarify the precise meaning of key words and phrases.

    —Not in Grade 3No Grade 3 standard on using glossaries or dictionaries to find word meanings.
    L.3.5

    Demonstrate understanding of word relationships and nuances in word meanings.

    14, 14cSame
    L.3.5.a

    Distinguish the literal and nonliteral meanings of words and phrases in context (e.g., take steps).

    14e, 27CloseState says interpret figurative language and identify literary devices such as simile and metaphor; literal versus nonliteral wording is not used.
    L.3.5.b

    Identify real-life connections between words and their use (e.g., describe people who are friendly or helpful).

    14fSame
    L.3.5.c

    Distinguish shades of meaning among related words that describe states of mind or degrees of certainty (e.g., knew, believed, suspected, heard, wondered).

    14, 14fCloseState asks for shades of meaning in similar words (for example terrible, awful, horrible); states of mind and degrees of certainty are not named.
    L.3.6

    Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate conversational, general academic, and domain-specific words and phrases, including those that signal spatial and temporal relationships (e.g., After dinner that night we went looking for them).

    R3, 13, 16, 17, 40CloseSpread over several vocabulary standards for reading, discussion and writing; words that signal spatial and time relationships are not named.

    In Alabama's Grade 3 standards, not in the national list

    CodeWhat it asksIn Third Grade
    3Take part in oral language activities such as plays, dramas, choral readings and oral reports.Week 34
    7Show advanced phonemic awareness, working with the sounds in spoken words.not taught
    7aDelete a sound from a blend at the start or end of a spoken word (say 'smoke' without /m/).not taught
    7bSwap one sound for another in a blend in a spoken word (change 'sweep' to 'sleep').not taught
    7cReverse the sounds in a spoken word (turn 'safe' into 'face').not taught
    7dWork through chains of spoken words that change one sound at a time (sap, lap, lip, slip).not taught
    7eSwap or drop syllables and word parts in spoken words to make new words (photograph to photocell).not taught
    8gRead and spell contractions made with am, is, has, not, have, would and will.not taught
    8hRead and spell commonly confused homophones such as hear and here.not taught
    14dUse knowledge of homophones to choose the right word.not taught
    15eSort words with shared and different suffixes by part of speech.not taught
    25Identify statements in informational texts as facts or opinions.not taught
    25aUse prior knowledge and details from the text to tell fact from opinion.not taught
    25bUse information gathered from research to evaluate opinions.not taught
    31Write legibly in cursive, with connected, correctly formed letters and proper spacing between words.not taught
    32eSpell commonly confused homophones correctly, using context to choose the spelling.not taught
    36aUse the articles a, an and the correctly.not taught
    36dUse simple abbreviations: days, months, titles, metric and customary units, street names and state names.not taught
    37aFind and fix sentence fragments and run-on sentences.not taught
    37bIdentify the subject and predicate of a sentence.not taught
    42Write poetry or prose in response to visual images to interpret what they mean.not taught

    Science

    2023 Alabama Course of Study: Science

    How Alabama writes its codes: Standards are numbered 1 to 15 within the grade under topic headings, for example 4 (Grade 3, standard 4, marked with a gear for engineering); the state's ALEX site writes this as SC23.3.4.

    National standards under the state's own codes · adopted 2023

    8 same · 7 close · 3 partly · 0 not in Grade 3

    National standardAlabama code(s)MatchNote
    3-PS2-1

    Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object.

    1Same
    3-PS2-2

    Make observations and/or measurements of an object’s motion to provide evidence that a pattern can be used to predict future motion.

    2Same
    3-PS2-3

    Ask questions to determine cause and effect relationships of electric or magnetic interactions between two objects not in contact with each other.

    3CloseState has children conduct investigations rather than ask questions, and names magnetic and electrostatic forces.
    3-PS2-4

    Define a simple design problem that can be solved by applying scientific ideas about magnets.

    4CloseState has children solve a magnet problem using the engineering design process, not only define the problem.
    3-LS1-1

    Develop models to describe that organisms have unique and diverse life cycles but all have in common birth, growth, reproduction, and death.

    5CloseState says compare life cycles of organisms 'other than humans', using models; same four stages.
    3-LS2-1

    Construct an argument that some animals form groups that help members survive.

    11CloseState asks for explanations of how forming groups helps some organisms survive, rather than an argument; not limited to animals.
    3-LS3-1

    Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence that plants and animals have traits inherited from parents and that variation of these traits exists in a group of similar organisms.

    6Same
    3-LS3-2

    Use evidence to support the explanation that traits can be influenced by the environment.

    7Same
    3-LS4-1

    Analyze and interpret data from fossils to provide evidence of the organisms and the environments in which they lived long ago.

    8Same
    3-LS4-2

    Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.

    9Same
    3-LS4-3

    Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.

    10CloseState frames it as survival depending on access to enough sunlight, air, water, food and shelter in the habitat.
    3-LS4-4

    Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the environment changes and the types of plants and animals that live there may change.

    12CloseState has children obtain and share information on the impact of existing solutions, rather than make a claim about a solution's merit.
    3-ESS2-1

    Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season.

    13Same
    3-ESS2-2

    Obtain and combine information to describe climates in different regions of the world.

    14Same
    3-ESS3-1

    Make a claim about the merit of a design solution that reduces the impacts of a weather-related hazard.

    15CloseState has children obtain and share information on how well existing solutions work, rather than make a claim about a design's merit.
    3-5-ETS1-1

    Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.

    4PartlyAlabama has no separate engineering design standards; engineering is built into gear-marked standards, in Grade 3 only standard 4 (a magnet problem). Criteria and constraints are not named.
    3-5-ETS1-2

    Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

    4PartlyAlabama has no separate engineering design standards; engineering is built into gear-marked standards, in Grade 3 only standard 4 (a magnet problem). Comparing several solutions is not named.
    3-5-ETS1-3

    Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.

    4PartlyAlabama has no separate engineering design standards; engineering is built into gear-marked standards, in Grade 3 only standard 4 (a magnet problem). Fair tests are not named.

    Social Studies

    2024 Alabama Course of Study: Social Studies

    How Alabama writes its codes: Standards are numbered 1 to 11 within the grade under four topic headings, with lettered parts, for example 2b (Grade 3, standard 2, part b); the state's ALEX site writes this as SS24.3.2b.

    adopted 2024

    Grade 3 focus in Alabama: Grade 3 is "Alabama in American History and Government I: Geography and Settlement": map skills, Alabama's geography and environment, Indigenous cultures of the Southeast, European exploration and French colonization to the early 1700s.

    UnitThird Grade topicAlabama standardsFitNote
    Unit 1 · Weeks 1–6Communities, maps, landforms and Native peoples1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 2, 2b, 2c, 8, 8a, 8bPartial fitState expects map skills, Alabama's land regions, rivers and resources, and Indigenous cultures of the Southeast; communities and community types are not Grade 3 standards.
    Unit 2 · Weeks 7–12Explorers and settlers, how communities began, U.S. geography, regions and Native nations2a, 9, 9a, 9b, 10, 11, 11aPartial fitState expects European exploration, early colonies, de Soto and French Alabama; U.S. regions appear only through comparing Alabama with other states.
    Unit 3 · Weeks 13–18Movement and trade, culture, immigration and the state project3, 3a, 4, 8Partial fitThe state project supports parks, symbols, landmarks and monuments; Indigenous culture and trading are expected; immigration is not a Grade 3 standard.
    Unit 4 · Weeks 19–24Local government, three branches, rights and responsibilities, voting, economics basics—No Grade 3 matchNo Grade 3 standard covers government, citizenship, voting or economics basics; the Grade 3 year is geography and early Alabama history.
    Unit 5 · Weeks 25–30Producers and consumers, scarcity and markets, interdependence, resource maps, earning and budgets2a, 2bPartial fitOnly the resource-map week connects, through thematic maps and natural resources of Alabama's regions; no Grade 3 economics standards.
    Unit 6 · Weeks 31–36Saving, spending and giving, civic action and the community project—No Grade 3 matchNo Grade 3 standard covers personal finance or civic action.

    In Alabama's Grade 3 social studies standards, not covered by a unit

    CodeWhat it asksIn Third Grade
    5Explain how natural disasters such as droughts, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes have affected the economy, the land and people over time.not taught
    6Describe how people's actions have helped and harmed Alabama's environment over time (conservation, pollution, deforestation and reforestation).not taught
    7Compare and contrast what anthropologists, archaeologists and paleontologists do.not taught