Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) and Early Learning Assessment (ELA)
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About the Assessment
The Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) is administered to all kindergarten students in Maryland during the first few weeks of school. The KRA includes direct assessment of early literacy and math skills as well as an observational assessment of social and emotional development. The assessment has three components:
- Star Early Literacy & Star Alfabetización temprana
- Star Math & Star Matemáticas
- SAEBRS (Social, Academic, and Emotional Behavior Risk Screener)
The Early Learning Assessment (ELA) is an optional assessment administered to students in both public and private prekindergarten settings in Maryland. The ELA includes direct assessment of early literacy skills and observational assessment of students in several domains: Social and Emotional Development, Language and Literacy, Cognitive Development, Physical and Motor Development, Approaches to Learning, and Creativity and the Arts. The assessment has two components:
- Star Early Literacy & Star Alfabetización temprana
- Star Preschool Whole Child
Content Standards & Test Blueprint
The KRA and ELA are aligned to the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards (MCCRS).
The Test Blueprint provides information about the skills assessed on Star Early Literacy and Star Math as well as their alignment to the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards.
Assessment Administration Resources
Test Administration Checklists
- Test Administrator Checklist - PDF - 103.83 KB
- School Testing Coordinator Checklist - PDF - 101.33 KB
Test Preparation and Practice
- Clickable Sample Test
- Star Early Literacy Sample Items - PDF - 483.6 KB
- Star Math Sample Items - PDF - 163.14 KB
- Introductory Videos:
Test Administration Manuals
- KRA Test Administration Manual (TAM) - PDF
- ELA Test Administration Manual (TAM) - PDF
- Common Student Messages
- State Test and Survey Administration Compliance.pdf - PDF - 214.58 KB
SAEBRS Administration Guidance
Results and Reporting
Data and Reporting Guide
The Data and Reporting Guide supports teachers, school administrators, and district leaders with selecting and interpreting Star Early Literacy and Star Math reports to meet instructional goals. The guide includes sample reports and video demonstrations of how to access each report.
Individual Student Report (ISR)
- Sample ISR – English - PDF - 885.01 KB
- Sample ISR – Spanish - PDF - 842.83 KB
- SAEBRS ISR – Fillable Template - PDF - 216.42 KB
Accommodations Information
The Student Supports for the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment and Early Learning Assessment should be used in conjunction with the Maryland Assessment, Accessibility, and Accommodations Manual to make decisions about supporting students with disabilities and multilingual learners on the KRA and ELA.
KRA and Ready to Read
Star Early Literacy and Star Curriculum-Based Measures (CBM) can be used to meet Maryland's KRA and universal screening requirements for kindergarten students, as outlined in the Ready to Read Act and the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.
Additional Resources and Information
Renaissance Assessment Resources
- Star Early Literacy Resources
- Star Alfabetización temprana Resources
- Star Math Resources
- Star Matemáticas Resources
- About SAEBRS
- About Star Preschool Whole Child
Renaissance Help Files
Renaissance Videos and Webinars
Renaissance Support
Methods of Contact:
- Phone: (800) 338-4204
- Chat: located in the upper-right-hand corner of any Renaissance-hosted site
- Email: [email protected]
- Support Center
Hours of Operation:
- Phone, Chat, Email: Monday-Friday (excluding holidays), 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM CST
- Support Center: Available anytime
Contact:
Emily Oliver
Project Manager, Early Childhood Assessment
Office: (410) 767-0055
[email protected]