2018-19 kindergarten assessment shows need for quality early learning

This year’s assessments of kindergartners’ readiness for school fell slightly from the previous school year, according to data released Thursday.

The Oregon Kindergarten Assessment is given to students entering kindergarten in the fall to create a snapshot of students’ foundational skills in literacy, math and interpersonal skills.

Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction Colt Gill described the assessments as a measure of Oregon’s early learning system.

“It is not about the readiness of our children,” Gill said in a news release. “All of our children are ready to learn every day.”

The average statewide score for students’ approaches to learning based on teachers’ observations remained the same as 2017-18, and scores were similar across student demographics. Statewide scores based on students’ ability to answer math questions and recognize letters and letter sounds all dipped, with white and Asian students scoring higher than other students of color.

Statewide scores and scores for individual districts are available on the Oregon Department of Education website.

Gov. Kate Brown and the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Student Success have focused on increasing quality early learning to improve Oregon’s education system. Research shows early learning offers a high return on investment because it reduces the need for later interventions.

- Jake Arnold, OSBA
jarnold@osba.org