Giving Compass' Take:

• Researchers at the University of Missouri found that after examining kindergarten test results, they can predict student readiness for Kindergarten. 

• How will this test help prepare educators, families, and students for success? In what other ways is this research useful for school districts? 

• Learn more about scaling Kindergarten readiness. 

According to researchers at the University of Missouri, who examined test results from 350 students at six elementary schools, a kindergarten readiness test can accurately predict how well a student will do 18 months later, District Administration reports.

The readiness test is a tool designed to help teachers create lessons and intervention plans for those whose results indicate they will have difficulties, and parents can participate in the process by teaching their child school-ready behaviors like taking turns and following directions.

Early-childhood education is a critical but often overlooked component in students’ academic development. As a result, gearing future students up with more pre-K opportunities is something superintendents are often expected to oversee. To set the pace, AASA, The School Superintendents Association, is conducting case studies to analyze the needs of young learners before they set foot in public schools.

Three current case studies include examples of superintendents working with community preschools, overseeing programs for 5-year-olds, and working with other community organizations to make sure early-childhood education sets future students on the right path for the rigors and expectations of kindergarten.

Read the full article about kindergarten readiness programs by Shawna De La Rosa at Education Dive.