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    States · ND

    North Dakota Grade 3 standards crosswalk

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

    How to read this

    Each row takes one national third grade standard and shows the North Dakota 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 North Dakota.

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

    Math

    2023 North Dakota Mathematics Content Standards K-12

    How North Dakota writes its codes: Grade, strand, domain, number: 3.AR.OA.1 is Grade 3, Algebraic Reasoning, Operations and Algebraic Thinking, standard 1 (strands NO, AR, GM, DPS).

    State-written standards · adopted 2023

    5 same · 22 close · 10 partly · 0 not in Grade 3

    National standardNorth Dakota 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.

    3.AR.OA.4CloseThe 2023 standards took effect in 2024-25. Interpreting products is folded into solving multiplication word problems with grouping models and equations.
    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.

    3.AR.OA.5CloseInterpreting quotients is folded into solving division word problems with grouping models and equations.
    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.

    3.AR.OA.4, 3.AR.OA.5CloseSplit into separate multiplication and division word-problem standards; arrays and measurement quantities are not named.
    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 = ?.

    3.AR.OA.4, 3.AR.OA.5CloseFinding unknowns is included in the two word-problem standards; there is no separate equation standard.
    3.OA.B.5

    Apply properties of operations as strategies to multiply and divide.

    3.AR.OA.2CloseState words it as solving multiplication and division equations with the properties and adds justifying thinking.
    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.

    3.AR.OA.5CloseThe state's own comparison places this within the division standard; unknown-factor thinking is not stated separately.
    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.

    3.AR.OA.1PartlyMental strategies within 100, but automatic recall only up to 5 x 5 and the 10s facts; automatic recall through 10 x 10 is Grade 4 (4.AR.OA.1).
    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.

    3.AR.OA.3PartlyGrade 3 two-step problems use addition and subtraction within 1000 only; multi-step problems with all four operations are Grade 4 (4.AR.OA.3).
    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.

    3.AR.OA.6Same
    3.NBT.A.1

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

    3.NO.NBT.2Same
    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.

    3.NO.NBT.3CloseSame skill; the word 'fluently' is not used.
    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.

    3.NO.NBT.4CloseWorded as multiplying by multiples of 10 'within 100'; strategies are not named.
    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.

    3.NO.NF.1PartlyState standard covers unit fractions as equal parts of a shape (adds sixths and eighths language); building fractions a/b from unit fractions is not stated separately.
    3.NF.A.2

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

    3.NO.NF.2Same
    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.

    3.NO.NF.2Closecovered within the parent standard
    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.

    3.NO.NF.2Closecovered within the parent standard
    3.NF.A.3

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

    3.NO.NF.3, 3.NO.NF.4, 3.NO.NF.5CloseSplit into three standards; equivalence is represented with models and number lines rather than explained.
    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.

    3.NO.NF.3CloseEquivalent fractions are represented with visual models and number lines; the definition is not stated separately.
    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.

    3.NO.NF.3PartlyGrade 3 only represents equivalent fractions with models and number lines; the state's comparison says generating them is Grade 4 (4.NO.NF.4).
    3.NF.A.3.c

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

    3.NO.NF.4Same
    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.

    3.NO.NF.5CloseFractions may not exceed one whole (denominators 2, 3, 4, 6, 8); justifying comparisons with a visual model is not stated.
    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.

    3.GM.M.3, 3.GM.M.4PartlyTelling time to the minute and measuring intervals match; elapsed-time word problems are limited to the hour and half-hour.
    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.

    3.GM.M.2CloseSays 'standard units' without naming grams, kilograms and liters; one-step word problems are included.
    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.

    3.DPS.D.1, 3.DPS.D.3CloseSplit into making graphs and solving problems from them; adds forming questions, collecting data and more than four categories.
    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.

    3.GM.M.1, 3.DPS.D.2CloseSplit into a ruler-measuring standard and a line plot standard.
    3.MD.C.5

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

    3.GM.M.7Same
    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.

    3.GM.M.7Closecovered within the parent 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.

    3.GM.M.7Closecovered within the parent standard
    3.MD.C.6

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

    3.GM.M.8CloseCounting unit squares is folded into the single rectangle-area standard; specific square units are not listed.
    3.MD.C.7

    Relate area to the operations of multiplication and addition.

    3.GM.M.8CloseCovered by one area standard: model with unit squares, show area is additive and equals the product of side lengths.
    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.

    3.GM.M.8CloseWorded as modeling with unit squares rather than tiling.
    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.

    3.GM.M.8PartlyMultiplying side lengths is included; applying area formulas in problems is stated in Grade 4 (4.GM.M.5).
    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.

    3.GM.M.8PartlyState says area 'can be additive'; using area models for the distributive property is not stated.
    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.

    3.GM.M.8PartlyState says area 'can be additive'; area of connected rectangular figures is stated in Grade 4 (4.GM.M.5).
    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.

    3.GM.M.6PartlyRectangles only, given side lengths or an unknown side; other polygons and same-perimeter, different-area comparisons are not stated.
    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.

    3.GM.G.2PartlyState asks only to sort quadrilaterals by attributes; shared attributes defining larger categories and drawing non-examples are not stated.
    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.

    3.NO.NF.1CloseState adds describing the parts with the language of sixths and eighths.

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

    CodeWhat it asksIn Third Grade
    3.NO.CC.1Read and write numbers up to 10,000 in standard, word and expanded form, using objects or pictures.not taught
    3.NO.NBT.1Compare two four-digit numbers with >, < and =, and explain using thousands, hundreds, tens and ones.not taught
    3.GM.G.1In flat shapes, identify lines, right, acute and obtuse angles, and perpendicular and parallel lines.not taught
    3.GM.G.3Identify lines of symmetry in four-sided shapes.not taught
    3.GM.M.5Solve word problems with dollar bills, quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies, using the $ and ¢ symbols correctly.not taught

    English Language Arts

    2023 North Dakota English Language Arts Content Standards

    How North Dakota writes its codes: Grade, strand, number, optional lowercase letter: 3.F.8a is Grade 3, Foundations of Literacy, standard 8, part a (strands F, C, R, W, L, IR; numbers skip where a standard belongs to other grades). The standards PDF prints most sub-parts as 'a.', 'b.' under the parent standard; they are joined to the parent here (3.F.8a), the way the PDF itself prints 3.R.3a and 3.R.3b.

    State-written standards · adopted 2023

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

    National standardNorth Dakota 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.

    3.R.2CloseThe 2023 standards took effect in 2024-25. One standard covers literary and informational texts; adds comparing, predicting and inferring.
    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.

    3.R.3bPartlyState asks for a story summary with major story elements; central message, lesson or moral is not required. Identifying a theme starts in Grade 4 (4.R.4).
    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.

    3.R.8aCloseDescribes characters' feelings, traits, motivations and actions; linking actions to the sequence of events is not stated.
    RL.3.4

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

    3.R.5, 3.R.7CloseWord meaning in a text is one standard; nonliteral language is handled through named literary devices.
    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.

    3.R.8bPartlyState compares elements of stories and poems (stanzas, verses); describing how each part builds on earlier parts is not stated.
    RL.3.6

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

    —Not in Grade 3The state's own comparison says point of view is addressed in Grade 4 (4.R.8a).
    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).

    3.R.8PartlyThe state's comparison places this under 3.R.8, but the Grade 3 wording does not mention illustrations.
    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).

    3.R.8bPartlyState compares elements of stories and poems; themes and same-author or series books are not named.
    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.

    3.F.12PartlyNo separate text-complexity standard; the state's comparison says it is embedded in the other standards. The fluency standard asks for reading third-grade texts with understanding.
    RI.3.1

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

    3.R.2CloseOne standard covers literary and informational texts; adds comparing, predicting and inferring.
    RI.3.2

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

    3.R.3aCloseWorded as summarizing the main idea(s) with supporting details; explaining how the details support the main idea is not stated.
    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.

    3.R.2PartlyThe state's comparison folds this into asking and answering questions; sequence and cause-and-effect relationships are 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.

    3.F.11, 3.R.5CloseSplit between the vocabulary standard and the word-meaning-in-text standard.
    RI.3.5

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

    3.R.6CloseNames print text features (glossary, index, sidebars, headings); search tools such as key words and hyperlinks are not listed.
    RI.3.6

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

    —Not in Grade 3The state's own comparison says point of view is addressed in Grade 4 (4.R.8a).
    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).

    3.R.6CloseMaps, photographs, diagrams and charts are treated as text features used to understand a text.
    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).

    3.R.9PartlyThe state's comparison places this under 3.R.9, but logical connections between sentences and paragraphs are not stated.
    RI.3.9

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

    3.R.9CloseState says 'determine' the most important points and key details in two nonfiction texts rather than compare and contrast.
    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.

    3.F.12PartlyNo separate text-complexity standard; the state's comparison says it is embedded in the other standards. The fluency standard asks for reading third-grade texts with understanding.
    RF.3.3

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

    3.F.8, 3.F.8a, 3.F.8b, 3.F.8cCloseDecoding is organized by syllable types, inflectional endings, and Latin and Greek roots.
    RF.3.3.a

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

    3.F.9i, 3.F.11aPartlyDerivational suffixes appear under spelling and word structure under vocabulary; prefixes are not named in Grade 3 decoding.
    RF.3.3.b

    Decode words with common Latin suffixes.

    3.F.8cPartlyState decoding names Latin and Greek roots, not Latin suffixes; suffixes appear only under spelling (3.F.9i).
    RF.3.3.c

    Decode multisyllable words.

    3.F.8aSame
    RF.3.3.d

    Read grade-appropriate irregularly spelled words.

    3.F.9jPartlyIrregular high-frequency words are listed under spelling (encoding), not under reading.
    RF.3.4

    Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.

    3.F.12Same
    RF.3.4.a

    Read grade-level text with purpose and understanding.

    3.F.12CloseCovered within the single fluency standard.
    RF.3.4.b

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

    3.F.12CloseCovered within the single fluency standard; prose, poetry and repeated readings are not named.
    RF.3.4.c

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

    3.F.12PartlyReading accurately with understanding is covered; using context to self-correct is not stated.
    W.3.1

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

    3.W.4CloseSays 'evidence to support the opinion' rather than reasons; writing about texts is not named.
    W.3.1.a

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

    3.W.2, 3.F.14CloseStructure is set by the topic sentence, body and conclusion standards rather than a listed-reasons structure.
    W.3.1.b

    Provide reasons that support the opinion.

    3.W.4CloseSays 'evidence to support the opinion' rather than reasons.
    W.3.1.c

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

    —Not in Grade 3Linking words are not named in the Grade 3 writing standards.
    W.3.1.d

    Provide a concluding statement or section.

    3.W.2CloseCovered by the general structure standard (concluding statement).
    W.3.2

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

    3.W.3Same
    W.3.2.a

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

    3.W.2, 3.F.14CloseTopic sentence and organized structure are required; illustrations are not mentioned.
    W.3.2.b

    Develop the topic with facts, definitions, and details.

    3.W.3CloseAsks for factual details; definitions are 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.

    —Not in Grade 3Linking words are not named in the Grade 3 writing standards.
    W.3.2.d

    Provide a concluding statement or section.

    3.W.2CloseCovered by the general structure standard (concluding statement).
    W.3.3

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

    3.W.5Same
    W.3.3.a

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

    3.W.5CloseEvent sequence that unfolds naturally is stated; introducing a narrator or characters is not.
    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.

    3.W.7PartlyDescriptive and emotional word choice is covered; dialogue is not named.
    W.3.3.c

    Use temporal words and phrases to signal event order.

    —Not in Grade 3Time-order words are not named in the Grade 3 writing standards.
    W.3.3.d

    Provide a sense of closure.

    3.W.2CloseCovered by the general structure standard (concluding statement).
    W.3.4

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

    3.W.1CloseState adds audience and does not mention guidance and support from adults.
    W.3.5

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

    3.W.6, 3.W.6a, 3.W.6b, 3.W.6c, 3.W.6dCloseFive named steps including drafting; support from peers and adults is not stated.
    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.

    3.W.6ePartlyA publishing step remains; technology and keyboarding were dropped (the state's comparison calls that standard no longer relevant).
    W.3.7

    Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic.

    3.IR.1, 3.IR.2CloseInquiry strand: choose a topic of interest and locate information in a provided credible source.
    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.

    3.IR.2, 3.IR.3CloseLocate information in a provided source and track it with organizational tools; recalling from experience is not stated.
    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 about 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.

    3.C.6, 3.C.7CloseSplit into a conversation standard (active listening, questions) and a collaboration-rules standard.
    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.

    —Not in Grade 3The state's own comparison says formal preparation for discussions is measured in Grade 6 (6.C.5).
    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).

    3.C.7Same
    SL.3.1.c

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

    3.C.6CloseAsking and answering questions with active listening; staying on topic and linking comments are not stated.
    SL.3.1.d

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

    3.C.6PartlyThe state's comparison places this under 3.C.6; explaining one's own ideas after discussion is not stated.
    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.

    3.R.1CloseListening comprehension of a grade-level text; other media and formats are not named.
    SL.3.3

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

    3.C.6CloseAsking and answering questions with active listening; elaboration and detail are not stated.
    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.

    3.C.1, 3.C.2CloseSplit into content (3.C.1, adds a targeted audience) and delivery (3.C.2, eye contact and volume).
    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.

    —Not in Grade 3No Grade 3 standard for audio recordings or visual displays.
    SL.3.6

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

    3.C.2CloseState adds proper eye contact and volume; 'to provide requested detail or clarification' is not stated.
    L.3.1

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

    3.L.1, 3.L.2CloseOrganized as a sentence-composing standard and a parts-of-speech standard.
    L.3.1.a

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

    3.L.2a, 3.L.2b, 3.L.2d, 3.L.2gPartlyRecognize and use nouns, verb types, possessive adjectives and -ly adverbs; pronouns are not named.
    L.3.1.b

    Form and use regular and irregular plural nouns.

    —Not in Grade 3Plural nouns are not named in Grade 3; the state's comparison lists the older plural-noun standard beside 3.L.2 without carrying the wording over.
    L.3.1.c

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

    3.L.2aSame
    L.3.1.d

    Form and use regular and irregular verbs.

    3.L.2bPartlyCovers action, linking and helping verbs; regular and irregular verb forms are not named (irregular verbs are Grade 4, 4.L.2b).
    L.3.1.e

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

    —Not in Grade 3Verb tenses are not named in Grade 3; verb tense is a Grade 4 standard (4.L.2b).
    L.3.1.f

    Ensure subject-verb and pronoun-antecedent agreement.

    —Not in Grade 3Not in Grade 3; the state's comparison says subject-verb agreement is addressed in Grade 4 (4.L.2c).
    L.3.1.g

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

    —Not in Grade 3Not in Grade 3; comparative and superlative adjectives are Grade 4 (4.L.2d).
    L.3.1.h

    Use coordinating and subordinating conjunctions.

    3.L.2fPartlyCoordinating conjunctions only; subordinating conjunctions are not in Grade 3.
    L.3.1.i

    Produce simple, compound, and complex sentences.

    3.L.1PartlySimple and compound sentences only; complex sentences are not in Grade 3.
    L.3.2

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

    3.L.1, 3.F.9CloseCapitalization and punctuation sit in the sentence standard; spelling sits in the Foundations encoding standard.
    L.3.2.a

    Capitalize appropriate words in titles.

    3.L.1aCloseState also asks for a capital at the start of a sentence, titles of respect and geographical names.
    L.3.2.b

    Use commas in addresses.

    —Not in Grade 3Commas in addresses are not named in the Grade 3 standards.
    L.3.2.c

    Use commas and quotation marks in dialogue.

    —Not in Grade 3Not in Grade 3; commas and quotation marks for dialogue are Grade 4 (4.L.1c, 4.L.1d).
    L.3.2.d

    Form and use possessives.

    3.L.2a, 3.L.2dCloseRecognize and use possessive nouns and possessive adjectives.
    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).

    3.F.9i, 3.F.9jCloseSpelling list includes common derivational suffixes and irregular high-frequency 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.

    3.F.9a, 3.F.9b, 3.F.9c, 3.F.9d, 3.F.9e, 3.F.9f, 3.F.9g, 3.F.9hCloseState lists the specific spelling patterns (vowel teams, diphthongs, blends, silent letters, digraphs, trigraphs, schwa).
    L.3.2.g

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

    —Not in Grade 3Using reference materials to check spelling is not named in Grade 3.
    L.3.3

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

    3.W.7CloseCovered through the word-choice standard in writing.
    L.3.3.a

    Choose words and phrases for effect.

    3.W.7Same
    L.3.3.b

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

    3.W.6PartlyThe state's comparison places this beside the writing-process standard; spoken versus written conventions are not mentioned.
    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.

    3.F.10, 3.R.5CloseSplit between a multiple-meaning words standard and a word-meaning-in-text standard.
    L.3.4.a

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

    3.R.5CloseDetermining word meaning within a text; specific strategies such as context clues are not listed.
    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).

    3.F.11aCloseCovered as using word structure (morphology) to learn new words.
    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).

    3.F.11a, 3.F.8cCloseCovered through word structure and Latin and Greek roots.
    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.

    3.R.5, 3.R.6PartlyThe state's comparison places this under word meaning in text (3.R.5); glossary use is a named text feature (3.R.6); dictionaries are not named.
    L.3.5

    Demonstrate understanding of word relationships and nuances in word meanings.

    3.F.11CloseThe state's comparison places word relationships under the vocabulary-connections standard.
    L.3.5.a

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

    3.R.5, 3.R.7a, 3.R.7b, 3.R.7cCloseHandled as word meaning in text plus identifying personification, hyperbole and simile.
    L.3.5.b

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

    3.F.11CloseWorded as relating new words to background knowledge.
    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).

    3.F.11PartlyThe state's comparison places this under 3.F.11; shades of meaning are not stated.
    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).

    3.C.4CloseSame vocabulary use; words signaling spatial and time relationships are not named.

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

    CodeWhat it asksIn Third Grade
    3.R.7dIdentify examples of alliteration (repeated beginning sounds) in what students read.not taught
    3.R.7eIdentify examples of onomatopoeia (words that imitate sounds) in what students read.not taught
    3.L.1bUse periods, question marks and exclamation points correctly for the four kinds of sentences.not taught
    3.L.1cUse a comma before a coordinating conjunction and to separate words in a series.not taught
    3.L.2cRecognize and use the complete subject and complete predicate of a sentence.not taught
    3.L.2eRecognize and use prepositions in sentences.not taught
    3.IR.4Tell whether a statement from an author is a fact or an opinion.not taught

    Science

    2019 North Dakota Science Content Standards K-12

    How North Dakota writes its codes: Grade, discipline and core idea, number, as in the national framework: 3-PS2-1. Engineering standards are printed with each grade as 3-ET1-1 to 3-ET1-3 instead of the national 3-5-ETS1 codes.

    Uses the national codes · adopted 2019

    12 same · 5 close · 0 partly · 1 not in Grade 3

    National standardNorth Dakota 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.

    3-PS2-1CloseThe 2019 standards are still in force. State says 'prove the effects' instead of 'provide evidence of the effects'.
    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.

    3-PS2-2CloseState requires metric measurements and says 'prove' instead of 'provide evidence'.
    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.

    3-PS2-3CloseState says 'static electricity' instead of 'electric' interactions.
    3-PS2-4

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

    3-PS2-4Same
    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.

    3-LS1-1Same
    3-LS2-1

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

    3-LS2-1Same
    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.

    3-LS3-1Same
    3-LS3-2

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

    3-LS3-2Same
    3-LS4-1

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

    3-LS4-1Same
    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.

    3-LS4-2Same
    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.

    3-LS4-3Same
    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.

    —Not in Grade 3North Dakota's Grade 3 list has no standard on solutions to problems caused by environmental change; it stops at 3-LS4-3.
    3-ESS2-1

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

    3-ESS2-1CloseState adds 'and predict' typical weather conditions.
    3-ESS2-2

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

    3-ESS2-2Same
    3-ESS3-1

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

    3-ESS3-1CloseState says 'evaluate the feasibility of' a design solution instead of 'make a claim about the merit of'.
    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.

    3-ET1-1Same
    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.

    3-ET1-2Same
    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.

    3-ET1-3Same

    Social Studies

    2019 North Dakota Social Studies Content Standards K-12

    How North Dakota writes its codes: Strand letter, grade band, number: G.3_5.5 is Geography, Grades 3-5 band, standard 5 (strands C, E, G, H); there are no Grade 3-only codes.

    adopted 2019

    Grade 3 focus in North Dakota: Standards are written for a Grades 3-5 band and districts decide the grade-by-grade split; the document's optional progression chart suggests a local community and city focus for Grade 3 and places its 'North Dakota Studies' items in Grade 4.

    UnitThird Grade topicNorth Dakota standardsFitNote
    Unit 1 · Weeks 1–6Communities, maps, landforms and Native peoplesG.3_5.1, G.3_5.2, G.3_5.3, H.3_5.3Strong fitThe 2019 standards apply in 2026-27; a rewrite is due late fall 2026. Maps and geographic tools fit the chart's Grade 3 local focus; it places Native Essential Understandings in Grade 4.
    Unit 2 · Weeks 7–12Explorers and settlers, how communities began, U.S. geography, regions and Native nationsG.3_5.4, G.3_5.5, G.3_5.6, G.3_5.7, G.3_5.8, H.3_5.1, H.3_5.2, H.3_5.7, H.3_5.8Strong fitU.S. regions, settlement patterns and perspectives are band standards; the optional chart places North Dakota's regions and settlement (G.3_5.4, G.3_5.5, G.3_5.7) in Grade 4.
    Unit 3 · Weeks 13–18Movement and trade, culture, immigration and the state projectH.3_5.4, H.3_5.9, H.3_5.10, E.3_5.5Partial fitCulture and holidays, plus North Dakota people, statehood and economy through the state project; trade and immigration are not named in the band.
    Unit 4 · Weeks 19–24Local government, three branches, rights and responsibilities, voting, economics basicsC.3_5.1, C.3_5.2, C.3_5.3, C.3_5.4, C.3_5.5, C.3_5.6, E.3_5.1, E.3_5.4Strong fitLevels and branches of government, founding principles, civic responsibilities and basic economics all appear; North Dakota government needs the state add-on.
    Unit 5 · Weeks 25–30Producers and consumers, scarcity and markets, interdependence, resource maps, earning and budgetsE.3_5.1, E.3_5.2, E.3_5.6, E.3_5.7Strong fitEconomic concepts, production and distribution, and how natural resources shape regional economies are band standards.
    Unit 6 · Weeks 31–36Saving, spending and giving, civic action and the community projectE.3_5.3, C.3_5.7Strong fitSaving and spending choices and carrying out an action plan on an issue are both band standards.

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

    CodeWhat it asksIn Third Grade
    E.3_5.8Describe how economics have changed over time.not taught
    H.3_5.5Describe causes and effects of current world events and developments as they relate to North Dakota (the optional chart suggests Grade 4).not taught
    H.3_5.6Describe causes and effects of current world events and developments as they relate to the United States.not taught