About VKRP

The Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) aims to build a more comprehensive understanding of school readiness. As an assessment system, VKRP adds measures of mathematics, self-regulation, and social skills in Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten to complement Virginia’s statewide assessment of literacy skills (PALS).

Elementary school kids arrive at school from the school bus
calendar

Past to Present

Since 2013, VKRP has expanded from a pilot in 100 classrooms to a statewide comprehensive assessment system. See how we started and where we’re headed.

Two girls holding a paper sign with the PALS logo.

Connection With PALS

VKRP works closely with the Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS) to provide a more comprehensive picture of school readiness.
Geometric shapes on a wooden background all fitting together.

A Dedicated Partnership

VKRP was developed and is sustained through a partnership between researchers, educators, early childhood advocates, and the Virginia Department of Education.

VKRP provides actionable information that can be used to support children's success in school

An arched walkway at the University of Virginia's Curry School of Education

The Team Behind VKRP

In partnership with the Virginia Department of Education, VKRP is implemented by a devoted team at the Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL) at the University of Virginia.

State-Wide Implementation

In 2019 the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation requiring VKRP to be implemented, across divisions, with all kindergarten students in the fall and spring.

Four kids hanging out together on the playground

Closing the Readiness Gap

High-quality early learning experiences are critical. But, not all children enter kindergarten having had the resources, opportunities, and experiences to develop the foundational skills needed for a great start in school.

girl showing a thumbs up sign holding poster of VKRP assessments, reports, and resources

A Coordinated System

VKRP builds a more comprehensive understanding of school readiness by providing a set of coordinated assessments, data reports, and instructional resources.