Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Subject Area Practice Test

In what grade level is it common to assess students’ understanding of print books?

1. Kindergarten

2. Second grade

3. First grade

4. Third grade

The correct answer is: First grade

Assessing students' understanding of print books is commonly done in first grade as this is a critical time for developing reading skills and comprehension. By this grade level, children are transitioning from learning to read to reading to learn, and they begin to engage more deeply with texts. Educators often focus on the key components of literacy, such as story elements, main ideas, and the ability to make connections to the text. In first grade, students typically develop foundational skills in phonics and vocabulary, which are essential for understanding print materials. Assessments at this stage help teachers gauge students’ comprehension abilities and identify areas where they might need additional support. While assessments may also occur in kindergarten, second, and third grades, the emphasis in first grade on print book understanding aligns closely with the developmental milestones in literacy that are expected at this age.