The Reading subtests are designed to mirror the developmental, process-oriented nature of good reading
instruction and the kinds of instructional materials used in exemplary programs. They align with IRA/NCTE standards, state standards, and the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP), with an emphasis on a balanced reading curriculum that includes phonemic awareness, decoding, phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension, at appropriate grade levels. The Reading Comprehension subtest helps assess initial understanding, interpretation, critical analysis, and reading strategies, addressing three major purposes for reading by using literary, informational, and functional texts. Open-ended assessments are also available.
Authentic reading selections commissioned from published authors and illustrators of Spanish children’s literature help create a level playing field for all students and reflect diverse multicultural themes to appeal to students of varying Hispanic backgrounds, experiential levels, and interests.
A Lexile® measure for Grades 2–12 is included. The Lexile Framework defines and sequences reading materials in terms of difficulty and allows you to identify customized reading lists for students based on their reading achievement. For information about the use of Lexiles, please visit PearsonLexile.com. To search for Spanish books, please visit www.Lexile.com/fab/Spanish
The Mathematics subtests assess student proficiency in the fundamental concepts and processes of problem solving, in keeping with the NCTM Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (2000). Some items call for careful analysis, synthesis of information, attention to detail, and the selection and use of appropriate strategies. Some items distinguish between mathematical concepts and mathematical vocabulary by requiring students to use thinking skills to respond.
Many items are contextualized so that students can relate to them and become engaged in the test. Reading included in the mathematics items is on or below grade level to help ensure that students’ reading ability will not affect their performance. Open-ended assessments are also available for more insight.
Both standard and metric rulers are used in the Mathematics Problem Solving and Mathematics subtests for the Primario 1–Avanzado 2 levels. Mathematics formula sheets that provide the formulas necessary to solve problems are included for the Intermedio 4–Avanzado 2 levels. Calculator use is an option in the Mathematics Problem Solving subtest beginning at the Intermedio 1 level and in the Mathematics subtest at the Avanzado levels.
For Grade 1–Grade 12, the Language subtest measures students’ achievement in applying the principles that form effective writing. From word- and sentence-level skills to whole-paper features, the subtest engages students in real-life activities that demand more than the mere recall of information.
The subtest is divided into four sections, with the first containing items that measure proficiency in language mechanics (capitalization, punctuation, and usage) and that resemble an actual editing task. The second, third, and fourth sections assess language expression, including understanding of sentence structure, prewriting and editing skills, and objectives typically assessed by a direct writing assessment. Reinforcing sound classroom practice, the subtest represents different modes of writing in paragraphs. It also includes questions to assess strategies in pre-writing and composing. Open-ended writing assessments are also available.
The Spelling subtest, offered at the Primario 1–Avanzado levels, assesses objectives based on the phonetic and structural principles taught at each of the grade levels. At the Intermedio and Avanzado levels, sight words are replaced by homophones.
At the Primario 1 level, students listen to a word and a sentence containing the word. At the Primario 2–Avanzado 2 levels, the spelling words are presented in context. Each spelling item consists of one sentence with three underlined words. Beginning at Primario 3, a “No Hay Error” (“No Mistake”) option is offered. The misspellings used reflect students’ most common spelling errors.
Aprenda 3 helps assess both listening vocabulary and comprehension for K–9 in recognition of the importance of listening skills in literacy development, learning in general, and everyday life.
The Vocabulary portion of this subtest measures knowledge of word meanings. Tested vocabulary represents a carefully chosen sample of the types of words that students at each grade are likely to encounter.
The Listening Comprehension portion uses dictated selections and questions. This section parallels the Reading Comprehension subtest, using literary, informational, and functional texts to measure the same modes of comprehension: initial understanding, interpretation, and critical analysis and strategies.
The Science subtest assesses students’ understanding of the life, physical, and earth sciences and the nature of science with questions that elicit problem solving and inquiry using one’s basic understanding of science. Students must use reasoning skills throughout the subtest to reach answers. These skills include estimating, making simple calculations, seeking patterns, making observations, recognizing cause and effect, reading standard instruments, and drawing conclusions. Students are challenged to apply foundation concepts and skills as they think through questions.
The Environment subtest for Preprimario 1–Primario 2 helps assess children’s understanding of common experiences in their natural and social environments.
At all levels, the Social Science subtest represents contemporary thinking in the content areas of history, geography, civics and government, and economics, aligned with the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) Curriculum Standards for Social Studies and state standards. Equal attention is given to history, geography, political science, and economics. Cultural elements are included across the entire subtest and a balance between national and international issues is reflected.
Using the National Standards for History as a guideline, the history questions focus on the history of the United States, Western civilization, and non-Western people and societies who share our interdependent world. Geography questions reflect the growing importance of both physical and human geography in today’s schools and are based on the Geography for Life: National Geography Standards.
The political science component helps assess students’ basic understanding of the U.S. system of government as outlined in the National Standards for Civics and Government. The economics questions help evaluate both macroeconomic and microeconomic concepts and are founded on the Voluntary National Content Standards in Economics.