Assessing Kindergarten Readiness to Improve Understanding of Children and Schools

• In Event: Assessing Kindergarten Readiness and Development

Abstract

The Instructional Foundations for Kindergarten (IFK) readiness assessment is a grassroots effort involving a variety of early childhood stakeholders in the state of Wyoming that serves to bridge preschool and kindergarten programs. The purpose of the current research is to inform the state’s understanding of children’s readiness for school as it continues efforts to create a readiness system reflective of local perspectives. An examination of child ratings and teacher interview data deepen awareness of teachers’ perceptions regarding the rating of children, the appropriateness of content, the process of assessing children, the connections between assessment and curriculum, and uses of the instrument.

Author

• Tricia Giovacco Johnson, University of Wyoming