A Quick Look at VKRP
The Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) builds a more comprehensive understanding of school readiness and success.
Coordinated Assessments
VKRP measures mathematics, self-regulation, and social skills to complement Virginia’s state-wide assessment of literacy using the Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS).
Reporting System
Detailed reports of student’s skills at the student, classroom, school, and division levels can be used by teachers, families, principals, and division leaders.
Instructional Resources
VKRP includes online and in-person trainings as well as guides and activities to better understand and support students’ skill development.
Measuring Four Critical Skills
As a statewide assessment program, VKRP places an equal emphasis on children’s academic and social-emotional skills because both are important for long-term success in school and life.
VKRP CAN HELP...
Before Kindergarten
- Can guide program improvement
- Shows how investments are working
- Provides benchmarks to monitor progress
VKRP CAN HELP IN...
Kindergarten and Beyond
- Steers instruction and interactions
- Aids in early intervention referrals
- Provides data that can be used to identify inequities in students’ outcomes
- Guides professional development, training, and instruction
VKRP Snapshots
VKRP provides actionable information to assist teachers, leaders, policy makers, and others to work toward equitable learning opportunities for every child.
Our Snapshots provide data about the statewide readiness landscape in the fall and spring of each year.
Virginia's Kindergarten Readiness Landscape
VKRP fills many needs in the state, as evidenced by the numbers
(or more!) children enter kindergarten every year in Virginia and are served by VKRP.
VKRP classroom resources are available in the areas of math, self-regulation, and social skills. VKRP recommends specific resources for each individual classroom.
states (and the District of Columbia) have established kindergarten entry learning standards for preschoolers. VKRP discerns if Virginia standards are being met.
WHAT ELSE VKRP TELLS US
A Focus on Mental Health
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, VKRP added survey items to better understand students’ mental health and well-being.
The pandemic affected children’s and teachers’ lives. Teachers reported being moderately, very, or extremely concerned about the mental health or social-emotional well-being for about 11% of kindergarten students.
The data from the survey items will help ensure proper mental health supports are put into place.
VKRP Expansion
Assessing Math Remotely
In Spring of 2021, VKRP included a remote option for the EMAS, VKRP’s math assessment. This data will help to understand the impact of COVID on kindergarten learning.
Gathering Data
As children head back to the classroom in Fall 2021, VKRP will continue to offer both an in-person and remote assessment option to maximize our understanding of school readiness.
VKRP for Preschool Expands!
Starting in the 2021-2022 school year, VKRP will be available to all publicly-funded preschool programs to assess children’s skills in fall and spring.
