Five KEA selection and implementation considerations for policymakers and practitioners¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The brief offers recommendations for selecting and executing a high-quality KEA: "cultural and linguistic responsiveness, standardization and reliability, resource allocation and training, alignment to other educational levers, as well as collaboration and parental involvement." Each consideration is elaborated in its own section, including accommodating English learners and children with special needs, providing professional development and user-friendly data management systems, and integrating the KEA with formative assessment practices and professional learning.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Selection must respond to the state's specific context, population composition, and desired implementation mechanisms

Constraints¶

• The KEA should avoid being highly scripted, inauthentic, or excessively lengthy to ensure successful implementation

Target Learners¶

• children entering kindergarten, including English learners and children with special needs

Target Learning Goals¶

• equitable, reliable assessment of kindergarten readiness to guide instruction

Related Strategies¶

• Support the shift from standardized testing toward diverse assessment strategies—performance-based assessments, portfolios, and experiential learning—with teacher training, resource allocation, and accountability flexibility
• Use KEAs to strengthen early learning systems: family engagement, p–3 alignment, and aggregated data for equitable investment

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Rolla, A., Mottesi, G., Wylen, M., & Akinola, Y. (2024). Kindergarten Entry Assessments: An Examination of Best Practices, National Trends, and Recommendations. Region 15 Comprehensive Center at WestEd. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED673515