This guide provides grade 3, 4, and 5 teachers with a list of the most essential standards' based comprehension, writing and research skills that students in their grade level should have firmly in place by the end of the school year. By using the lists of queries and Smarter Balanced ELA item stems as language arts lessons are developed, teachers can be assured that they are providing their students with regular practice on higher-levels skills designated by the state as most essential for