Kentucky is implementing a statewide screening system for kindergarteners this year. Governor Beshear, First Lady Jane Beshear, and Education Commissioner Terry Holliday made the announcement in Frankfort Thursday.
"As a former teacher, I understand how getting to know a student's needs and abilities early in the school year can make a big difference in helping that child to succeed," said Mrs. Beshear.
Every school district in the state will use the Brigance Kindergarten Screener, a tool used by many states to gauge a child's school readiness. Courtney Daniel in the Governor's Office of Early Childhood says a student cannot fail the screening.
"The screener is a moment in time snapshot of the child's development," Daniel explained. "It's not an entrance exam for kindergarten, and it's not going to be used to track or label children."
The screening system was piloted in 109 Kentucky school districts last year. Data collected from those districts indicate that a majority of children are socially and emotionally ready to enter kindergarten. However, many students did not achieve at high levels in the areas of cognition, language, and motor skills.