Take the Time to Review the VKRP Online Training Modules
It’s hard to believe that spring is just around the corner! A great way to prepare for the VKRP spring term is to take a little time to review the VKRP Online Training Modules. In this blog, we highlight 5 training modules on the VKRP webportal.
The VKRP Online Training Modules are designed to be quick overviews of the multiple facets of VKRP. Although many educators have completed these training modules in the past, we highly recommend that you review each module prior to delivering the assessments. In addition, most of the modules have been updated over the last few years, so reviewing these will ensure you receive the most up-to-date information. Keep reading for an overview of the online training modules along with an estimated time to complete each one. Note that you may click forward and back throughout the modules to navigate to the content you’d like to review.
Intro to VKRP Module
We often get asked, “What is the goal of the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP)?” The Intro to VKRP module gives a brief overview of VKRP, how it’s being used across Virginia, and what we’ve learned since the inception of VKRP in 2013.
VKRP was designed to provide a more comprehensive view of a child’s readiness skills in four key areas: Literacy (through Virginia Literacy Partnerships (VLP)), Mathematics, Self-Regulation, and Social Skills. VKRP is more than just a set of coordinated assessments. It also includes a reporting system that provides detailed reports of a student’s skills at the student, classroom, school, and division/program levels can be used by teachers, families, principals, and division/program leaders. VKRP also offers instructional resources to support students’ skill development.
In this module, you can hear directly from teachers, administrators, and early childhood researchers about how they have used VKRP.
How to Navigate Module
The How to Navigate module is a brief overview on how to access the webportal, how the VKRP and VLP websites work together, and how to start VKRP assessments. One question the VKRP Hotline Team receives often is, “where can I find important documents for VKRP?” This online module has a short video that showcases how to find essential documents that are used for VKRP, such as the assessment calendar, program manual, and many others.
CBRS Assessment Module
The CBRS Assessment Module goes into depth on what the Child Behavior Rating Scale (CBRS) is, how teachers rate students using the CBRS, why understanding information about children’s social skills and self-regulation is important, and frequently asked questions about the CBRS.
As you go through the module, you will find quick facts about the CBRS along with some tips on behaviors to observe prior to completing the rating scale. The “Noticing Student Behaviors” video gives a nice overview of what behaviors to look for throughout the school day and how to take note of specific behaviors that will be captured in the rating scale.
EMAS Assessment Module
The Early Mathematics Assessment System (EMAS) Module goes into depth on what the EMAS is, how to administer the EMAS, and why it’s important to understand young children’s early mathematics knowledge and skills. The module highlights the four broad areas assessed with the EMAS – Geometry, Patterning, Numeracy, and Computation.
We highly recommend that teachers who will be administering the EMAS review the short video examples. There you will find important notes about how to administer items, what a demonstration item is, and how to organize the math manipulatives needed for EMAS administration.
Intro to Reports and Resources Module
The Introduction to Reports and Resources Module provides an introduction to the reports and resources that are available on the VKRP webportal. As a reminder, VKRP is not just a set of assessments. It’s also a reporting system that provides detailed reports at the student, classroom, school, and division/program level. When learning how to navigate these reports, it can be helpful to review this module to see all the ways you can review the data from the fall and spring terms.
This module also contains helpful videos that walk through how to access the available reports with step-by-step guidance. Curious how to find Family Information Reports for each of your students? This module showcases where to find this report, what is included, and how to share resource packets with families!
We hope you will take the time to review the online training modules available to you. These modules are a valuable resource that will guide you through all aspects of VKRP and will set you up for success for the spring term!
More Questions for the VKRP Team? VKRP provides support via the online chat feature when you are in the system, via email vkrp@virginia.edu, and via toll free 866-301-8278
