Dive Brief:

• Researchers at the University of Missouri College of Education have developed an accurate test of kindergarten student readiness that can help identify those who are at risk of falling behind early.
• According to eSchool News, nearly 900 students were screened with the one-item readiness test at 18 elementary schools in one study, and children who had low readiness scores were 11 times more likely to be behind on a reading test and 15 times more likely to have social or emotional problems, as reported by their teachers.
• Co-authors of the study expect the new tool could help teachers identify students who need extra support very early in their education careers and get them the help they need to thrive.

Dive Insight:

Large class sizes and hectic classrooms sometimes make it hard for teachers to identify students who need extra supports and separate them from students who are misbehaving or performing poorly because of more basic behavioral problems. The longer students go with undiagnosed special needs, the farther behind they fall academically and socially. In some cases, this is a question of teacher training. Teachers need better professional development to help them identify the underlying causes of student behavior and trace that to effective responses.

Perhaps more simply, a screener for kindergartners could help perform a sort of triage, identifying students who are at-risk early and allowing teachers and other staff members to move forward with key supports right away.

Recommended Reading

eSchool News: This one test could predict school success beginning in kindergarten