This document summarizes key aspects of developing Kindergarten Entry Assessments (KEAs) and their role in Early Learning Challenge Grants. It outlines the definition and purposes of KEAs, scoring criteria, types of assessment instruments, examples, and components of an effective KEA system. It also discusses developing a high quality plan and budget for implementing KEAs that can be used to inform instruction and close readiness gaps while meeting grant requirements.

1. a partnership between BUILD and First Five Years Fund

2. Kindergarten Entry Assessments and Early Learning Challenge Grants Some Basics Presented by: Charles Bruner, CFPC and Catherine Scott-Little, UNCG Moderated by: Eboni Howard, AIR September 16, 2011

7. KEA in the Context of Efforts to Improve Children’s Educational Success KEA Birth………………………….XXX………………………..Eight Look Back Use as part of early learning and development system improvement Step Forward Use as part of K-3 instruction and services development Review the referenced NRC reports for appropriate (and inappropriate) uses!

10. Commercial Observational Assessment Examples: Touching Five Domains WSS ** Maryland GOLD Assessment California PVDP # Items 30 39 37+2 Social & Emotional Development Approaches to Learning Language and Literacy General Cognition Physical Health and Motor Development Cultural and Linguistic Appropriateness item ** Maryland adapted the WSS, using a portion of its items. There are many state variations in the use of WSS.

25. About the Presenters Charles Bruner, Ph.D. Executive Director Child & Family Policy Center Director Build Research and Evaluation 505 5 th Avenue, Suite 404 Des Moines, IA 50309 515-280-9027 [email_address] www.cfpciowa.org www.finebynine.org www.buildinitiative.org Catherine Scott-Little, Ph.D. Associate Professor Human Development and Family Studies School of Health and Human Sciences University of North Carolina at Greensboro PO Box 26170 Greensboro, NC 27402-6170 336 256-0132 [email_address]