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    States · UT

    Utah Grade 3 standards crosswalk

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

    How to read this

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

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

    Math

    Utah Core State Standards for Mathematics

    How Utah writes its codes: Grade, strand and number with no cluster letter, printed as 'Standard 3.OA.7'; lettered parts are printed as a, b, c under the standard and are written here as 3.OA.7.a. These standards (revised 2016) remain in force for 2026-27; the state's timeline estimates revised standards in classrooms in 2027-28.

    Uses the national codes · adopted 2016

    33 same · 4 close · 0 partly · 0 not in Grade 3

    National standardUtah 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.OA.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.

    3.OA.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.

    3.OA.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 = ?.

    3.OA.4Same
    3.OA.B.5

    Apply properties of operations as strategies to multiply and divide.

    3.OA.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.

    3.OA.6CloseUtah adds that multiplication and division are inverse operations.
    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.OA.7, 3.OA.7.a, 3.OA.7.bSame
    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.OA.8, 3.OA.8.a, 3.OA.8.b, 3.OA.8.cCloseUtah splits it into parts a to c and writes order of operations and creating equations into the standard itself.
    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.OA.9Same
    3.NBT.A.1

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

    3.NBT.1Same
    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.NBT.2Same
    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.NBT.3Same
    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.NF.1, 3.NF.1.a, 3.NF.1.bCloseUtah splits it into parts a and b and adds that a unit fraction has a numerator of one and a non-zero denominator.
    3.NF.A.2

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

    3.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.NF.2.aSame
    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.NF.2.bSame
    3.NF.A.3

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

    3.NF.3Same
    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.NF.3.aSame
    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.NF.3.bSame
    3.NF.A.3.c

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

    3.NF.3.cSame
    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.NF.3.dSame
    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.MD.1Same
    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.MD.2CloseUtah adds milliliters (ml) to grams, kilograms and liters.
    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.MD.3Same
    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.MD.4Same
    3.MD.C.5

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

    3.MD.5Same
    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.MD.5.aSame
    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.MD.5.bSame
    3.MD.C.6

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

    3.MD.6Same
    3.MD.C.7

    Relate area to the operations of multiplication and addition.

    3.MD.7Same
    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.MD.7.aSame
    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.MD.7.bSame
    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.MD.7.cSame
    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.MD.7.dSame
    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.MD.8Same
    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.G.1Same
    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.G.2Same

    English Language Arts

    Utah State Standards for P-12 English Language Arts

    How Utah writes its codes: Grade, strand (SL, R or W) and number, printed as 'Standard 3.R.5'; lettered parts are printed as a, b, c under the standard and are written here as 3.R.3.a.

    State-written standards · adopted 2023

    16 same · 41 close · 9 partly · 24 not in Grade 3

    National standardUtah 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.5Same
    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.6CloseUtah asks for a retelling that follows the text structure, with main idea and key details; fables, myths and the moral are not named.
    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.7Same
    RL.3.4

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

    3.R.8CloseUtah names similes and metaphors instead of literal versus nonliteral language.
    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.10CloseUtah asks children to identify and discuss structural elements of text types; chapter, scene, stanza and how parts build are not named.
    RL.3.6

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

    —Not in Grade 3No Grade 3 standard; Utah's point-of-view standard (R.11) is marked 'Begins in grade 4'.
    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.12CloseUtah covers illustrations or text features in any text; mood, character and setting examples are not named.
    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.14CloseUtah says compare (not contrast) and does not limit it to books by the same author.
    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.R.4CloseUtah folds this into reading grade-level text with accuracy and fluency to support comprehension; text complexity bands are in the introduction.
    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.5Same
    RI.3.2

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

    3.R.6CloseSame main idea and key details skill, worded as retelling the text according to its structure.
    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.7Same
    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.R.8CloseUtah says academic and content-specific words within a text, in one standard shared with literature.
    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.10Same
    RI.3.6

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

    —Not in Grade 3No Grade 3 standard; Utah's point-of-view standard (R.11) is marked 'Begins in grade 4'.
    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.12CloseUtah asks how illustrations or text features add to the words; maps, photographs and where/when/why examples are not named.
    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.13PartlyUtah's matching standard asks how reasons and evidence support claims in a text, not how sentences and paragraphs connect.
    RI.3.9

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

    3.R.14CloseUtah says compare; contrast is not named.
    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.R.4CloseUtah folds this into reading grade-level text with accuracy and fluency to support comprehension; text complexity bands are in the introduction.
    RF.3.3

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

    3.R.3Same
    RF.3.3.a

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

    3.R.3.cSame
    RF.3.3.b

    Decode words with common Latin suffixes.

    3.R.3.aCloseUtah covers this through morphology (roots and affixes) and etymology; Latin suffixes are not named.
    RF.3.3.c

    Decode multisyllable words.

    3.R.3.a, 3.R.3.bCloseUtah also expects spelling and names all six syllable types.
    RF.3.3.d

    Read grade-appropriate irregularly spelled words.

    3.R.3.eCloseUtah says read and spell common irregular words.
    RF.3.4

    Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.

    3.R.4Same
    RF.3.4.a

    Read grade-level text with purpose and understanding.

    3.R.4Closecovered within the parent standard
    RF.3.4.b

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

    3.R.4Closecovered within the parent standard
    RF.3.4.c

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

    3.R.4Closecovered within the parent standard
    W.3.1

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

    3.W.1CloseUtah calls these argumentative pieces and asks for a claim supported by evidence rather than an opinion supported by reasons.
    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.1.aCloseUtah says state a claim and organize the evidence, rather than state an opinion and list reasons.
    W.3.1.b

    Provide reasons that support the opinion.

    3.W.1CloseCovered within the parent standard, which asks for evidence rather than reasons.
    W.3.1.c

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

    3.W.1Closecovered within the parent standard
    W.3.1.d

    Provide a concluding statement or section.

    3.W.1Closecovered within the parent standard
    W.3.2

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

    3.W.2Same
    W.3.2.a

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

    3.W.2.aCloseUtah combines introducing and developing the topic in one part and says graphics instead of illustrations.
    W.3.2.b

    Develop the topic with facts, definitions, and details.

    3.W.2.aCloseCombined with introducing the topic in a single part.
    W.3.2.c

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

    3.W.2Closecovered within the parent standard
    W.3.2.d

    Provide a concluding statement or section.

    3.W.2Closecovered within the parent standard
    W.3.3

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

    3.W.3Same
    W.3.3.a

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

    3.W.3.aSame
    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.3.cCloseUtah lists dialogue and descriptions of actions, thoughts and emotions without saying what they are used to show.
    W.3.3.c

    Use temporal words and phrases to signal event order.

    —Not in Grade 3Utah's narrative standard asks for event sequences but does not name time-order words.
    W.3.3.d

    Provide a sense of closure.

    3.W.3CloseCovered within the parent standard, as a 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.

    —Not in Grade 3No separate Grade 3 standard; organization is expected inside each writing standard (3.W.1 to 3.W.3).
    W.3.5

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

    3.W.4.bPartlyUtah asks only that children interact and collaborate with others throughout the writing process; planning, revising and editing are not named.
    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.4.bPartlyOnly collaborating with others is covered; technology, publishing and keyboarding are not named in Grade 3.
    W.3.7

    Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic.

    3.W.4Same
    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.W.4.aCloseUtah asks for brief notes from one or more sources; sorting evidence into categories is 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 about writing routinely over longer and shorter 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.SL.1CloseUtah says conversations and collaborations using age-appropriate vocabulary on topics, texts and issues.
    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 3Coming to discussions prepared is not named in Utah's Grade 3 standards.
    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.SL.1.aCloseUtah asks children to respectfully acknowledge and respond to others' perspectives; agreed-upon discussion rules are not listed.
    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.SL.1.cSame
    SL.3.1.d

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

    3.SL.1.cCloseUtah asks children to acknowledge new information and connect their responses; explaining their own ideas is not named separately.
    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.SL.2CloseUtah asks children to ask and answer questions about the topic and key details in various media; main ideas are not named.
    SL.3.3

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

    3.SL.2CloseUtah adds speaking clearly and audibly and does not name a speaker or elaboration.
    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.SL.3, 3.SL.3.aCloseUtah adds sequencing ideas logically and presenting opinions; pace is replaced by volume and clear pronunciation.
    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.SL.3CloseUtah asks for age-appropriate language and grammar when speaking; complete sentences are not named.
    L.3.1

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

    3.W.1.c, 3.W.2.c, 3.W.3.d, 3.SL.3PartlyUtah has no language strand; only general expectations for conventions in writing and grammar in speaking.
    L.3.1.a

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

    —Not in Grade 3Utah's 2023 standards have no separate Grade 3 standard for this skill; only a general conventions expectation (3.W.1.c, 3.W.2.c, 3.W.3.d).
    L.3.1.b

    Form and use regular and irregular plural nouns.

    —Not in Grade 3Utah's 2023 standards have no separate Grade 3 standard for this skill; only a general conventions expectation (3.W.1.c, 3.W.2.c, 3.W.3.d).
    L.3.1.c

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

    —Not in Grade 3Utah's 2023 standards have no separate Grade 3 standard for this skill; only a general conventions expectation (3.W.1.c, 3.W.2.c, 3.W.3.d).
    L.3.1.d

    Form and use regular and irregular verbs.

    —Not in Grade 3Utah's 2023 standards have no separate Grade 3 standard for this skill; only a general conventions expectation (3.W.1.c, 3.W.2.c, 3.W.3.d).
    L.3.1.e

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

    —Not in Grade 3Utah's 2023 standards have no separate Grade 3 standard for this skill; only a general conventions expectation (3.W.1.c, 3.W.2.c, 3.W.3.d).
    L.3.1.f

    Ensure subject-verb and pronoun-antecedent agreement.

    —Not in Grade 3Utah's 2023 standards have no separate Grade 3 standard for this skill; only a general conventions expectation (3.W.1.c, 3.W.2.c, 3.W.3.d).
    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 3Utah's 2023 standards have no separate Grade 3 standard for this skill; only a general conventions expectation (3.W.1.c, 3.W.2.c, 3.W.3.d).
    L.3.1.h

    Use coordinating and subordinating conjunctions.

    —Not in Grade 3Utah's 2023 standards have no separate Grade 3 standard for this skill; only a general conventions expectation (3.W.1.c, 3.W.2.c, 3.W.3.d).
    L.3.1.i

    Produce simple, compound, and complex sentences.

    3.W.1.b, 3.W.2.b, 3.W.3.bSame
    L.3.2

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

    3.W.1.c, 3.W.2.c, 3.W.3.dPartlyOnly a general conventions expectation in writing; capitalization and punctuation are not named. Spelling appears in the phonics standard (3.R.3).
    L.3.2.a

    Capitalize appropriate words in titles.

    —Not in Grade 3Utah's 2023 standards have no separate Grade 3 standard for this skill; only a general conventions expectation (3.W.1.c, 3.W.2.c, 3.W.3.d).
    L.3.2.b

    Use commas in addresses.

    —Not in Grade 3Utah's 2023 standards have no separate Grade 3 standard for this skill; only a general conventions expectation (3.W.1.c, 3.W.2.c, 3.W.3.d).
    L.3.2.c

    Use commas and quotation marks in dialogue.

    —Not in Grade 3Utah's 2023 standards have no separate Grade 3 standard for this skill; only a general conventions expectation (3.W.1.c, 3.W.2.c, 3.W.3.d).
    L.3.2.d

    Form and use possessives.

    —Not in Grade 3Utah's 2023 standards have no separate Grade 3 standard for this skill; only a general conventions expectation (3.W.1.c, 3.W.2.c, 3.W.3.d).
    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.R.3.b, 3.R.3.ePartlyUtah covers spelling words with the six syllable types and common irregular words; adding suffixes to base words is not named.
    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.R.3.b, 3.R.3.dCloseUtah names syllable types and unaccented syllables for spelling rather than word families and ending rules.
    L.3.2.g

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

    —Not in Grade 3No Grade 3 standard for checking spelling in reference materials; dictionaries appear only for word meanings (3.R.9.c).
    L.3.3

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

    3.W.1.c, 3.W.2.c, 3.W.3.d, 3.SL.3PartlyOnly general expectations: cohesion, sentence structure and phrasing in writing, and age-appropriate language when speaking.
    L.3.3.a

    Choose words and phrases for effect.

    —Not in Grade 3No Grade 3 standard names this skill in Utah's 2023 standards.
    L.3.3.b

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

    —Not in Grade 3No Grade 3 standard names this skill in Utah's 2023 standards.
    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.R.9Same
    L.3.4.a

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

    3.R.9.aSame
    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.R.9.bCloseUtah combines affixes and roots in one part.
    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.R.9.bCloseUtah combines affixes and roots in one part.
    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.9.cCloseUtah says glossaries or dictionaries without naming print and digital.
    L.3.5

    Demonstrate understanding of word relationships and nuances in word meanings.

    3.R.8PartlyUtah covers figurative language (similes and metaphors) in reading; word relationships and shades of meaning are not named.
    L.3.5.a

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

    3.R.8CloseUtah names similes and metaphors instead of literal versus nonliteral meanings.
    L.3.5.b

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

    —Not in Grade 3No Grade 3 standard names this skill in Utah's 2023 standards.
    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).

    —Not in Grade 3No Grade 3 standard names this skill in Utah's 2023 standards.
    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.R.8, 3.SL.1PartlyUtah covers academic and content-specific words in reading and age-appropriate vocabulary in discussion; words for spatial and time relationships are not named.

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

    CodeWhat it asksIn Third Grade
    3.SL.1.bRecognize that comments and claims in a discussion may include two perspectives.not taught
    3.R.2Show mastery of age-appropriate skills in hearing and working with the sounds in spoken words.not taught
    3.R.2.aReverse the sounds in a spoken word.not taught
    3.R.2.bMake chains of words by adding, deleting or swapping one sound at the beginning, middle or end.not taught
    3.W.5Legibly write all uppercase and lowercase letters in both cursive and print.not taught

    Science

    Utah Science with Engineering Education (SEEd) Standards

    How Utah writes its codes: Grade, strand and number, printed as 'Standard 3.3.3' (Grade 3, strand 3 Force Affects Motion, standard 3); social studies uses the same form, so name the subject. The K-12 document says 'Adopted June 2023' and gives no other adoption year; the state's revision timeline lists elementary science as last revised in 2019 (high school supplementary standards in 2023), not under revision.

    State-written standards · adopted 2023

    8 same · 8 close · 1 partly · 1 not in Grade 3

    National standardUtah 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.

    3.3.1Same
    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.

    3.3.2Same
    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.

    3.3.4CloseUtah also has children plan and carry out an investigation, and names static electricity and magnets.
    3-PS2-4

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

    3.3.5CloseUtah goes further: design, test and improve a device that uses magnets, 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.

    3.2.1Same
    3-LS2-1

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

    3.2.4PartlyAnimals living in groups appears only as an example of a behavior that helps survival; no separate standard or argument about groups.
    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.

    3.2.2Same
    3-LS3-2

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

    3.2.3Same
    3-LS4-1

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

    —Not in Grade 3Utah teaches fossils in Grade 4 (Standards 4.1.3 and 4.1.4).
    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.

    3.2.4CloseUtah covers variations in traits and behaviors that affect surviving and reproducing; finding mates is not named.
    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.

    3.2.5Same
    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.

    3.2.6CloseUtah has children design a solution to the problem rather than judge the merit of one.
    3-ESS2-1

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

    3.1.1Same
    3-ESS2-2

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

    3.1.2Same
    3-ESS3-1

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

    3.1.3CloseUtah has children design, test and improve a solution rather than judge the merit of one.
    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.

    3.1.3, 3.2.6, 3.3.5CloseUtah has no separate engineering codes; defining the problem with criteria and constraints is built into its three Grade 3 design standards.
    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.

    3.1.3, 3.2.6, 3.3.5CloseUtah has no separate engineering codes; developing possible solutions is built into its three Grade 3 design standards.
    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.

    3.1.3, 3.3.5CloseNo separate engineering codes; analyzing test data and proposing improvements is built into two design standards. Controlled variables appear in 3.3.1.

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

    CodeWhat it asksIn Third Grade
    3.3.3Explain that Earth's gravity pulls objects downward, toward the center of the round Earth, and that 'down' depends on where you stand.not taught

    Social Studies

    Utah Core Standards for Elementary Social Studies

    How Utah writes its codes: Grade, strand and number, printed as 'Standard 3.1.1' (Grade 3, strand 1, standard 1); science uses the same form, so name the subject.

    adopted 2022

    Grade 3 focus in Utah: Grade 3 covers types of government and the U.S. and Utah Constitutions, the child's own community, rights and responsibilities as a community member, and a community in another part of the world.

    UnitThird Grade topicUtah standardsFitNote
    Unit 1 · Weeks 1–6Communities, maps, landforms and Native peoples3.2.1, 3.2.2Partial fitUtah expects locating the community on maps and how geography shaped it. Native peoples are not named in Grade 3.
    Unit 2 · Weeks 7–12Explorers and settlers, how communities began, U.S. geography, regions and Native nations3.2.4, 3.3.1Partial fitUtah covers only how the child's own community changed and was shaped by its people. Explorers, U.S. regions and Native nations are not covered.
    Unit 3 · Weeks 13–18Movement and trade, culture, immigration and the state project3.2.3, 3.4.3Partial fitUtah expects children to define their own culture and that of a community abroad. Trade, immigration and a state project are not Grade 3 standards.
    Unit 4 · Weeks 19–24Local government, three branches, rights and responsibilities, voting, economics basics3.1.3, 3.1.4, 3.1.5, 3.3.2, 3.3.4, 3.3.5Strong fitUtah expects the Constitution, First Amendment rights, three branches with checks and balances, civic roles and how leaders are chosen. Economics basics are not named.
    Unit 5 · Weeks 25–30Producers and consumers, scarcity and markets, interdependence, resource maps, earning and budgets—No Grade 3 matchUtah places scarcity, producers and consumers in Grade 2 (2.4.2, 2.4.4); Grade 3 only mentions economic interdependence and natural resources (3.2.4, 3.2.2).
    Unit 6 · Weeks 31–36Saving, spending and giving, civic action and the community project3.3.3, 3.3.7, 3.3.8Partial fitUtah expects community improvements, how choices such as volunteering and voting matter, and a service project. Personal saving is a Grade 2 standard (2.4.1).

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

    CodeWhat it asksIn Third Grade
    3.1.1Discuss the basic differences between a constitutional republic, a pure democracy, an oligarchy and a monarchy.not taught
    3.1.2Explain why the first three words of the U.S. Constitution matter to representative government.not taught
    3.3.6Describe why governments collect taxes and how they decide how to use them.not taught
    3.4.1Choose a community outside the United States and find it, its city, country and continent on print and digital maps, comparing sizes and scale.not taught
    3.4.2Research the physical features and natural resources of that community and infer how geography shaped its cultures.not taught
    3.4.4Examine that community's type of government and compare it with the government of the child's own community.not taught
    3.4.5Examine how and why that community has adapted to or changed its environment over time, and the consequences.not taught