Brief Description: Requiring an inventory of kindergarten readiness assessments.

Sponsors: Representatives Flannigan, Talcott, Quall, Pettigrew, Ormsby, Nixon, Green, Moeller, Kagi, Chase, Lantz, Anderson, Morrell, Simpson, Haigh, Kilmer, Santos, Hasegawa and Kenney.

Hearing Date: 2/1/06

Staff: Sarah Ream (786-7303).

Background:

Studies indicate that children enter kindergarten with a range of cognitive and social
skills that may make a difference in their achievement during the kindergarten year. Research also indicates that children who succeed in kindergarten tend to maintain that advantage as
they progress through school.

Factors associated with children's readiness for kindergarten include: socioeconomic status; the child's health; family background characteristics, particularly the mother's education, single-parent status, and mental health; the home and community environment, including risk factors and literacy-related factors; and the child's participation in some type of preschool program.

Readiness tests are generally classified into one of two categories: those that measure developmental milestones (such as the Gesell School Readiness Test) and those that measure academic knowledge (such as the Metropolitan Readiness Tests). Other tests combine the two approaches.

The Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) has developed a voluntary set of benchmarks to assist in assessing children's development, including readiness for kindergarten. These standards reflect expectations for children's performance and behavior. The benchmarks include simple play and learning activities that adults can use to enhance children's development and support school readiness.

Summary of Bill:

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction is directed to conduct an inventory of kindergarten readiness assessments used by Washington school districts, or by other states, or recommended by research. OSPI will recommend a single assessment for state-wide use and a method for statewide data collection that will allow for analysis and measurement of kindergarten readiness trends. The OSPI will submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by December 1, 2006.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 24, 2006.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.