States · NE
Nebraska Grade 3 standards crosswalk
How each national third grade standard lines up with Nebraska's own standards.
How to read this
Each row takes one national third grade standard and shows the Nebraska 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 Nebraska.
Checked 2026-10-08 against official Nebraska documents. This is an unofficial guide; your state's own documents are the authority.
Math
Nebraska's College and Career Ready Standards for Mathematics
How Nebraska writes its codes: Grade, strand letter (N Number, A Algebra, G Geometry, D Data), standard number, then a lowercase indicator letter, for example 3.N.1.a. The standards PDF misprints one Grade 3 code as 3.G.1.1; the Department's Excel files give 3.G.1.a and say the PDF code is wrong.
State-written standards · adopted 2022
6 same · 27 close · 2 partly · 2 not in Grade 3
| National standard | Nebraska code(s) | Match | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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.A.1.f | Meaning of multiplication is explained with drawings, arrays, equal groups, repeated addition and number lines; the "groups of" wording is not spelled out. | |
| 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.A.1.f | Meaning of division is explained with drawings, arrays and equal groups; the two readings of a quotient are not spelled out. | |
| 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.A.1.c, 3.A.1.f | One-step problems with all four operations, written as equations; "within 100" and measurement situations are not specified. | |
| 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.A.1.c | Partly | 3.A.1.c covers one-step equations with an unknown in word problems; Nebraska's official crosswalk pairs this standard with Grade 4 (4.A.1.e, writing equations with a variable). |
| 3.OA.B.5 Apply properties of operations as strategies to multiply and divide. | 3.A.1.e | Adds the identity and zero properties; all five are applied as strategies to multiply and divide. | |
| 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.A.1.f | Asks for the relationship between multiplication and division; the unknown-factor wording is not used. | |
| 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.A.1.g | Fluency within 100 is the same; knowing all one-digit products from memory by year end is not stated. | |
| 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.A.1.d, 3.A.1.b | Two-step problems are the same; a letter for the unknown is not required, and checking reasonableness is named only for sums and differences. | |
| 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. | — | Not in Grade 3 | No Grade 3 Nebraska standard on arithmetic patterns in the addition or multiplication table; none was found in Grades 4 or 5 either. |
| 3.NBT.A.1 Use place value understanding to round whole numbers to the nearest 10 or 100. | — | Not in Grade 3 | Rounding is not named in any Nebraska indicator from Kindergarten to Grade 5; 3.A.1.b asks only for estimating to check sums and differences. |
| 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.A.1.a | Nebraska goes further: add and subtract up to four-digit numbers, with or without regrouping. 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.A.1.h | Same | |
| 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.N.2.a, 3.N.2.b | Unit fractions as equal parts of a shape (3.N.2.a) and parts of a whole with visual fraction models (3.N.2.b); building a/b from unit fractions is not spelled out. | |
| 3.NF.A.2 Understand a fraction as a number on the number line; represent fractions on a number line diagram. | 3.N.2.c | Same | |
| 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.N.2.c | covered 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.N.2.c | covered within the parent standard | |
| 3.NF.A.3 Explain equivalence of fractions in special cases, and compare fractions by reasoning about their size. | 3.N.2.d, 3.N.2.e, 3.N.2.f | Same content, split across three indicators with no parent statement. | |
| 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.N.2.d | Children show and identify equivalent fractions with pictures, manipulatives 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.N.2.d | Show and identify equivalent fractions with visual models; generating them and explaining why are not stated. | |
| 3.NF.A.3.c Express whole numbers as fractions, and recognize fractions that are equivalent to whole numbers. | 3.N.2.e | Same | |
| 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.N.2.f | Also asks children to order fractions; the symbols >, =, < and the same-whole condition are 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.G.4.a, 3.G.4.b | Names both analog and digital clocks and elapsed time; the number line is not mentioned. | |
| 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.G.3.a | Broader: customary and metric tools and units for length, weight, mass, liquid volume and capacity; estimating is not stated. | |
| 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.D.1.a, 3.D.2.a | Graphs must show more than four categories; children make simple statements from graphs instead of set "how many more/less" problems. | |
| 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.G.3.b, 3.D.1.b | Measure to the half inch, fourth inch and centimeter; the line plot scale is marked in halves and whole units only. | |
| 3.MD.C.5 Recognize area as an attribute of plane figures and understand concepts of area measurement. | 3.G.2.b | covered within the parent standard | |
| 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.G.2.b | Unit squares are used to measure area; the definition is not a separate indicator. | |
| 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.G.2.b | Area as a count of square units is covered; the "no gaps or overlaps" wording is not stated. | |
| 3.MD.C.6 Measure areas by counting unit squares (square cm, square m, square in, square ft, and improvised units). | 3.G.2.b | Same | |
| 3.MD.C.7 Relate area to the operations of multiplication and addition. | 3.G.2.c | covered within the parent standard | |
| 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.G.2.c | Same | |
| 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.G.2.c | Children show that area equals the product of the side lengths; real-world area problems are not named. | |
| 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.G.2.c | Partly | Area is shown to be additive; using an area model for the distributive property is not stated (the property itself is in 3.A.1.e). |
| 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.G.2.c | Area is shown to be additive; splitting rectilinear figures into rectangles is not named. | |
| 3.MD.D.8 Solve real world and mathematical problems involving perimeters of polygons, including finding the perimeter given the side lengths, finding an unknown side length, and exhibiting rectangles with the same perimeter and different areas or with the same area and different perimeters. | 3.G.2.a | Perimeter problems with given or unknown side lengths; comparing rectangles with the same perimeter and different areas is not included. | |
| 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.1.a | Children sort quadrilaterals by their attributes; drawing examples that fit no subcategory is 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.N.2.a | Same |
In Nebraska's Grade 3 standards, not in the national list
| Code | What it asks | In Third Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 3.N.1.a | Read, write and show numbers up to 10,000 in different ways, including standard form and expanded form. | not taught |
| 3.N.1.b | Compare whole numbers up to 10,000 and explain the comparison using number lines and reasoning. | not taught |
English Language Arts
Nebraska's College and Career Ready Standards for English Language Arts
How Nebraska writes its codes: LA, grade, strand (F, RP, RI, V, W, SL) and standard number, for example LA.3.W.4; the document prints indicators under each standard as bare letters (a., b., c.), written here as LA.3.W.4.a.
State-written standards · adopted 2021
27 same · 45 close · 7 partly · 11 not in Grade 3
| National standard | Nebraska code(s) | Match | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| RL.3.1 Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers. | LA.3.RP.6 | Children explain what the text says explicitly and also draw inferences when asking and answering questions. | |
| 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. | LA.3.RP.1 | Central message or lesson with key details is the same; recounting fables, folktales and myths is 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. | LA.3.RP.2 | Children explain how characters respond to major events and challenges; traits and motivations are not listed. | |
| RL.3.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, distinguishing literal from nonliteral language. | LA.3.V.2, LA.3.V.2.a | Placed in the vocabulary strand: figurative language, with literal and nonliteral meanings as an indicator. | |
| 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. | LA.3.RP.4 | Children explain how sections build on one another and add to meaning; using the terms chapter, scene and stanza when discussing a text is not stated. | |
| RL.3.6 Distinguish their own point of view from that of the narrator or those of the characters. | LA.3.RP.3 | Children determine and explain the point of view; separating their own view from the narrator's is not stated. | |
| RL.3.7 Explain how specific aspects of a text's illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a story (e.g., create mood, emphasize aspects of a character or setting). | — | Not in Grade 3 | No Grade 3 Nebraska standard on how illustrations add to a story. |
| 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). | LA.3.RP.5 | Same | |
| 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. | LA.3.RP.8 | Same | |
| RI.3.1 Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers. | — | Not in Grade 3 | Asking and answering questions from the text (LA.3.RP.6) is listed only in the literary reading strand, not for informational text. |
| RI.3.2 Determine the main idea of a text; recount the key details and explain how they support the main idea. | LA.3.RI.1 | Same | |
| 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. | LA.3.RI.2 | Adds relationships between individuals; language of time, sequence and cause/effect is not required. | |
| 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. | LA.3.V.1 | Placed in the vocabulary strand as acquiring and using grade-level academic vocabulary. | |
| RI.3.5 Use text features and search tools (e.g., key words, sidebars, hyperlinks) to locate information relevant to a given topic efficiently. | LA.3.RI.4 | Children explain how text features contribute to meaning; search tools such as key words and hyperlinks are not named. | |
| RI.3.6 Distinguish their own point of view from that of the author of a text. | LA.3.RI.3 | Children determine and explain the author's purpose; separating their own view from the author's is not stated. | |
| 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). | LA.3.RI.4 | Maps, graphs and other visuals are treated as text features that contribute to meaning. | |
| 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). | — | Not in Grade 3 | Not in Grade 3; Nebraska instead asks children to identify an author's claims and how they are supported (LA.3.RI.6). |
| RI.3.9 Compare and contrast the most important points and key details presented in two texts on the same topic. | LA.3.RI.5 | Same | |
| 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. | LA.3.RI.8 | Same | |
| RF.3.3 Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words. | LA.3.F.3 | Same skill, with encoding (spelling) words added. | |
| RF.3.3.a Identify and know the meaning of the most common prefixes and derivational suffixes. | LA.3.F.3.b, LA.3.V.1.b | Derivational suffixes are in phonics; prefixes are covered as affixes in the vocabulary strand. | |
| RF.3.3.b Decode words with common Latin suffixes. | LA.3.F.3.a | Same | |
| RF.3.3.c Decode multisyllable words. | LA.3.F.3.c | Same | |
| RF.3.3.d Read grade-appropriate irregularly spelled words. | LA.3.F.4.c | Children read grade-level high-frequency words automatically and accurately; "irregularly spelled" is not stated. | |
| RF.3.4 Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension. | LA.3.F.4 | Same | |
| RF.3.4.a Read grade-level text with purpose and understanding. | LA.3.F.4 | covered within the parent standard | |
| RF.3.4.b Read grade-level prose and poetry orally with accuracy, appropriate rate, and expression on successive readings | LA.3.F.4.a, LA.3.F.4.b | Accuracy, rate and expression are the same; children also adjust pace to the text. Repeated readings are not named. | |
| RF.3.4.c Use context to confirm or self-correct word recognition and understanding, rereading as necessary. | — | Not in Grade 3 | Using context to confirm or self-correct while reading is not stated in Grade 3. |
| W.3.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons. | LA.3.W.4 | Same | |
| W.3.1.a Introduce the topic or text they are writing about, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure that lists reasons. | LA.3.W.4.a | Same | |
| W.3.1.b Provide reasons that support the opinion. | LA.3.W.4.a | Reasons and/or evidence are part of the same indicator as the introduction; there is no separate code. | |
| W.3.1.c Use linking words and phrases (e.g., because, therefore, since, for example) to connect opinion and reasons. | LA.3.W.4.b | Same | |
| W.3.1.d Provide a concluding statement or section. | LA.3.W.4.c | Same | |
| W.3.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly. | LA.3.W.5 | Same | |
| W.3.2.a Introduce a topic and group related information together; include illustrations when useful to aiding comprehension. | LA.3.W.5.a | Same | |
| W.3.2.b Develop the topic with facts, definitions, and details. | LA.3.W.5.b | Same | |
| W.3.2.c Use linking words and phrases (e.g., also, another, and, more, but) to connect ideas within categories of information. | LA.3.W.5.c | Linking words are the same; key vocabulary is added. | |
| W.3.2.d Provide a concluding statement or section. | LA.3.W.5.d | Same | |
| W.3.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences. | LA.3.W.3 | Nebraska calls these creative and/or expressive pieces that describe a well-developed event or experience. | |
| W.3.3.a Establish a situation and introduce a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally. | LA.3.W.3.a | Situation, narrator and characters are the same; organizing a natural event sequence is not stated here. | |
| 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. | LA.3.W.3.b | Descriptive details about characters, events or settings; dialogue, thoughts and feelings are not named. | |
| W.3.3.c Use temporal words and phrases to signal event order. | LA.3.W.3.c | Same | |
| W.3.3.d Provide a sense of closure. | LA.3.W.3.d | Same | |
| W.3.4 With guidance and support from adults, produce writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task and purpose. | LA.3.W.2 | Writing appropriate to audience, purpose and discipline through a writing process; adult guidance is not mentioned. | |
| W.3.5 With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing. | LA.3.W.2.a, LA.3.W.2.c, LA.3.W.2.d | Same | |
| 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. | LA.3.W.2.f | Print and digital tools to produce and publish writing, alone or with peers; keyboarding is not named. | |
| W.3.7 Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic. | LA.3.W.6 | Children locate evidence from literary and informational sources to answer questions about a topic; "short research projects" is not the wording. | |
| W.3.8 Recall information from experiences or gather information from print and digital sources; take brief notes on sources and sort evidence into provided categories. | LA.3.W.6.b, LA.3.W.6.c | Gathering with print and digital tools and sorting evidence into categories with notes; recalling from experience 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. | LA.3.W.2.b | Children sustain short and long-term writing tasks of increasing length and complexity. | |
| 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. | LA.3.SL.1 | Structured discussions and collaborations on Grade 3 topics and texts; building on others' ideas appears in indicator a, not in the parent 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. | LA.3.SL.1 | covered within the parent standard | |
| 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). | LA.3.SL.1.c, LA.3.SL.1.d | Respectful conversation and active listening are expected; agreed-upon discussion rules are not named. | |
| SL.3.1.c Ask questions to check understanding of information presented, stay on topic, and link their comments to the remarks of others. | LA.3.SL.1.a | Children ask relevant questions to build on ideas; staying on topic is not stated. | |
| SL.3.1.d Explain their own ideas and understanding in light of the discussion. | LA.3.SL.2.b | Partly | Children convey a perspective with clear reasoning; tying it to what was said in the 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. | — | Not in Grade 3 | No Grade 3 standard on main ideas of material read aloud or shown in media; LA.3.SL.2.c covers purpose and credibility instead. |
| SL.3.3 Ask and answer questions about information from a speaker, offering appropriate elaboration and detail. | LA.3.SL.1.a | Partly | Asking relevant questions is covered; answering a speaker with elaboration and detail is 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. | LA.3.SL.2, LA.3.SL.2.a | Same | |
| 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. | LA.3.SL.2.e | Partly | Visual and digital tools to enhance speaking are covered; audio recordings of stories or poems are not named. |
| SL.3.6 Speak in complete sentences when appropriate to task and situation in order to provide requested detail or clarification. | — | Not in Grade 3 | Not a Grade 3 standard; replying in complete sentences appears only in the teaching notes printed beside the standards. |
| L.3.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. | LA.3.W.1 | Grammar and usage are indicators under the writing standard, not a separate language strand. | |
| L.3.1.a Explain the function of nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs in general and their functions in particular sentences. | LA.3.W.1.e | Partly | Explaining the function of adjectives and adverbs only; nouns and verbs are used (LA.3.W.1.c) but not explained. |
| L.3.1.b Form and use regular and irregular plural nouns. | LA.3.W.1.c | Partly | Children use frequently occurring nouns; regular and irregular plurals are not named. |
| L.3.1.c Use abstract nouns (e.g., childhood). | LA.3.W.1.c | Abstract nouns are named inside a broader indicator on nouns and verbs. | |
| L.3.1.d Form and use regular and irregular verbs. | LA.3.W.1.c | Regular and irregular verbs are named inside a broader indicator. | |
| L.3.1.e Form and use the simple (e.g., I walked; I walk; I will walk) verb tenses. | LA.3.W.1.c | Simple verb tenses are named inside a broader indicator. | |
| L.3.1.f Ensure subject-verb and pronoun-antecedent agreement. | LA.3.W.1.f | Same | |
| 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 3 | Comparative and superlative adjectives and adverbs are not named in Grade 3. |
| L.3.1.h Use coordinating and subordinating conjunctions. | LA.3.W.1.d | Adds telling apart independent and dependent clauses. | |
| L.3.1.i Produce simple, compound, and complex sentences. | LA.3.W.1, LA.3.W.1.e | Children write paragraphs with a variety of sentence types; simple, compound and complex sentences are named in W.1.e. | |
| L.3.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing. | LA.3.W.1, LA.3.F.3 | Capitalization and punctuation are writing indicators; spelling sits in the phonics standard as encoding. | |
| L.3.2.a Capitalize appropriate words in titles. | LA.3.W.1.a | Adds capitalizing proper nouns and proper adjectives. | |
| L.3.2.b Use commas in addresses. | LA.3.W.1.b | Combined in one indicator with dialogue punctuation and possessives. | |
| L.3.2.c Use commas and quotation marks in dialogue. | LA.3.W.1.b | Combined in one indicator with commas in addresses and possessives. | |
| L.3.2.d Form and use possessives. | LA.3.W.1.b | Combined in one indicator with commas; says to use an apostrophe to form possessives. | |
| 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). | LA.3.F.3 | Partly | Spelling (encoding) is named only in the parent phonics standard; there is no separate spelling indicator. |
| 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. | LA.3.F.3 | Partly | Spelling (encoding) is named only in the parent phonics standard; spelling patterns are not listed. |
| L.3.2.g Consult reference materials, including beginning dictionaries, as needed to check and correct spellings. | — | Not in Grade 3 | Using references to check spelling is not stated; LA.3.V.1.d uses reference materials for word meanings. |
| L.3.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening. | — | Not in Grade 3 | No matching Grade 3 standard on knowledge of language. |
| L.3.3.a Choose words and phrases for effect. | — | Not in Grade 3 | Choosing words and phrases for effect is not a Grade 3 indicator. |
| L.3.3.b Recognize and observe differences between the conventions of spoken and written standard English. | — | Not in Grade 3 | Differences between spoken and written English are not a Grade 3 indicator. |
| 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. | LA.3.V.1 | Framed as acquiring and using academic vocabulary, with the same four strategies as indicators. | |
| L.3.4.a Use sentence-level context as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase. | LA.3.V.1.a | Same | |
| 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). | LA.3.V.1.b | Same | |
| 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). | LA.3.V.1.c | Same | |
| 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. | LA.3.V.1.d | Reference materials and classroom resources; glossaries and dictionaries are not named. | |
| L.3.5 Demonstrate understanding of word relationships and nuances in word meanings. | LA.3.V.2 | Framed as interpreting an author's figurative, connotative and technical language. | |
| L.3.5.a Distinguish the literal and nonliteral meanings of words and phrases in context (e.g., take steps). | LA.3.V.2.a | Same | |
| L.3.5.b Identify real-life connections between words and their use (e.g., describe people who are friendly or helpful). | LA.3.V.2.b | Same | |
| 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). | LA.3.V.2.c | Same | |
| 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). | LA.3.V.1 | Grade-level academic vocabulary is the same idea; words for spatial and time relationships are not named. |
In Nebraska's Grade 3 standards, not in the national list
| Code | What it asks | In Third Grade |
|---|---|---|
| LA.3.RP.7 | Compare and contrast themes, topics or patterns of events across a range of stories and poems, not only books by one author. | Week 16 |
| LA.3.RI.6 | Identify the claims an author makes in an informational text and explain how the author supports them. | not taught |
| LA.3.RI.7 | Compare and contrast topics or patterns of events across a range of informational texts. | Week 25 |
| LA.3.W.1.g | Use common prepositions and prepositional phrases in writing. | not taught |
| LA.3.W.2.e | Use or read different formats of print and digital text, such as manuscript (print) handwriting, cursive, fonts, graphics and symbols. | not taught |
| LA.3.W.6.a | Put information from sources into your own words to support ideas, and avoid copying. | not taught |
| LA.3.W.6.d | Use more than one source, name sources when writing and speaking, and give a list of sources. | not taught |
| LA.3.W.6.e | Practice safe and respectful behavior online: what is safe to share, suitable sites, polite language and respect for other views. | not taught |
| LA.3.SL.1.b | Show understanding of spoken and unspoken (body language) messages in a discussion. | not taught |
| LA.3.SL.1.e | Complete a task by following multi-step directions. | not taught |
| LA.3.SL.2.c | Identify the purpose of information being presented and whether it can be trusted. | not taught |
| LA.3.SL.2.d | Show care in choosing words, with awareness of stereotypes and words that have more than one meaning. | not taught |
Science
Nebraska's College and Career Ready Standards for Science
How Nebraska writes its codes: SC, grade, topic number, standard number, then a lowercase indicator letter, for example SC.3.1.1.a; each indicator is a national performance expectation under a Nebraska code.
National standards under the state's own codes · adopted 2024
15 same · 1 close · 0 partly · 2 not in Grade 3
| National standard | Nebraska code(s) | Match | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | SC.3.1.1.a | Same | |
| 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. | SC.3.1.1.b | Same | |
| 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. | SC.3.1.1.c | Same | |
| 3-PS2-4 Define a simple design problem that can be solved by applying scientific ideas about magnets. | SC.3.1.1.d | Same | |
| 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. | SC.3.9.3.a | Same | |
| 3-LS2-1 Construct an argument that some animals form groups that help members survive. | SC.3.7.2.a | Same | |
| 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. | SC.3.9.3.b | Same | |
| 3-LS3-2 Use evidence to support the explanation that traits can be influenced by the environment. | SC.3.9.3.c | Same | |
| 3-LS4-1 Analyze and interpret data from fossils to provide evidence of the organisms and the environments in which they lived long ago. | SC.3.7.2.b | Same | |
| 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. | SC.3.9.3.d | Same | |
| 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. | SC.3.7.2.c | Same | |
| 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. | SC.3.7.2.d | Same | |
| 3-ESS2-1 Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season. | SC.3.12.4.a | Names the displays: tables, pictographs and bar graphs. | |
| 3-ESS2-2 Obtain and combine information to describe climates in different regions of the world. | SC.3.12.4.b | Same | |
| 3-ESS3-1 Make a claim about the merit of a design solution that reduces the impacts of a weather-related hazard. | SC.3.12.4.c | Same | |
| 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. | — | Not in Grade 3 | Not listed in Grade 3; Nebraska places this engineering expectation in Grade 5 (SC.5.13.4.e). |
| 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. | SC.3.7.2.e | Same | |
| 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. | — | Not in Grade 3 | Not listed in Grade 3; Nebraska places this engineering expectation in Grade 4 (SC.4.4.2.e). |
Social Studies
Nebraska Social Studies Standards (2019)
How Nebraska writes its codes: SS, a space, grade, strand number (1 Civics, 2 Economics, 3 Geography, 4 History), standard number, then a lowercase indicator letter, for example SS 3.2.2.a.
adopted 2019
Grade 3 focus in Nebraska: Communities Near and Far: children study their local community and the varied backgrounds of people in Nebraska, compare them with other U.S. regions, and learn about Native American and other indigenous cultures past and present.
In Nebraska's Grade 3 social studies standards, not covered by a unit