By the end of fifth grade, students are expected to bridge the gap between elementary and middle school by mastering multi-digit multiplication and division, performing operations with fractions and decimals, analyzing complex texts, and writing structured, research-based, multi-paragraph essays. They should read fluently, understand the concept of volume, and exhibit increased independence in organizing their work and research. 

Reading and Language Arts

• Reading Comprehension: Independently read and summarize grade-level texts, compare/contrast characters, settings, and events, and draw inferences.
• Vocabulary: Determine the meaning of academic and domain-specific words, including using Greek and Latin roots/affixes.
• Writing: Write well-structured, multi-paragraph, informational, and persuasive pieces, using multiple sources for research.
• Grammar: Use verb tenses, capitalization, and punctuation (commas, quotation marks) correctly. 

Mathematics

• Decimals: Understand place value from thousands to thousandths, and add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals to the hundredths.
• Fractions: Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions and mixed numbers with unlike denominators.
• Computation: Multiply multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm and divide four-digit numbers by two-digit divisors.
• Geometry & Measurement: Understand volume for 3D shapes (rectangular prisms) and relate volume to multiplication and addition. 

Science and Social Studies

• Scientific Inquiry: Plan and conduct investigations, create graphs to explain data, and understand foundational concepts in physical, life, and earth sciences.
• Social Studies: Understand, analyze, and research topics in U.S. history, geography, and economics, such as the American economy’s producers and consumers.