Child, Youth, and Family Studies, Department of
Date of this Version
10-24-2019
Citation
To cite this article: Rachel E. Schachter, Erin E. Flynn, Amy R. Napoli & Shayne B. Piasta (2019): Teachers’ Perspectives on Year Two Implementation of a Kindergarten Readiness Assessment, Early Education and Development, DOI: 10.1080/10409289.2019.1679606
Abstract
In this study we examined teachers’ perspectives regarding the second year of implementing a Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA). Using a mixed-methods approach, we focused on the administration process, the perceived benefits of the assessment, and how teachers used the assessment to inform instruction. We also investigated whether these differed by teacher and district characteristics and how KRA experiences were different in the second year of implementation. Research Findings: Teachers generally did not view the KRA as beneficial for instruction or for students, reporting administration difficulties, inadequate KRA content, and limited utility of KRA data for supporting instruction as ongoing barriers to KRA use. Although the administration process seemed to be easier in the second year, teachers still reported it as burdensome, cutting into important beginning of kindergarten activities. Notably, teacher training and experience were associated with perceptions. Practice or Policy: Reasons for perceived lack of utility have important implications for future KRA design and implementation. These include better integration of KRAs into existing assessment systems, recognizing the added burden of KRAs to teachers (particularly at the beginning of kindergarten), and the role that additional training may have in supporting use of KRAs at the local level.
Included in
Developmental Psychology Commons, Elementary and Middle and Secondary Education Administration Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, Other Psychology Commons, Other Sociology Commons
Comments
Copyright © 2019 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. Used by permission.