The Hidden Power of Math Talk
The Hidden Power of Math Talk Have you ever thought about how math talk in the classroom supports children’s learning? We often think about conversations as supporting children’s language skills, but talking about math and using math language also promotes math learning. Whether counting blocks as you stack them, discussing sharing fairly during snack time, […]
A New Year Finding Our Rhythm in 2026
A New Year Finding Our Rhythm in 2026 As we move further into a new calendar year, many students, educators, and administrators across the Commonwealth of Virginia are still finding their footing in 2026. Between winter breaks and several snow days, January likely looked very different depending on where you are in the state. For […]
VKRP in VAConnects for Kids
VKRP in VAConnects for Kids It’s the start of the school year and VKRP is now part of VAConnects for Kids (VAConnects). VAConnects is an integrated data system that brings together three state data collection initiatives: LinkB5, the Virginia Language & Literacy Screening System (VALLSS), and the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP). We’ll be sharing […]
From Big Feelings to Bright Futures: Why VKRP Measures and Supports Mental Health in Early Childhood
From Big Feelings to Bright Futures Why VKRP Measures and Supports Mental Health in Early Childhood Experiencing different types of emotions—from joy and excitement to sadness and frustration—and learning how to manage them is a normative part of children’s development. In some cases, such as under conditions of heightened or prolonged stress or instability, children […]
How the Early Mathematics Assessment System Measures Growth in Students’ Mathematics Skills Within and Across Years
How the EMAS Measures Growth in Students’ Mathematics Skills Within and Across Years When the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) was initiated in 2013, it was designed to measure students’ school readiness at the start of kindergarten. However, division, school, and program leaders, teachers, and families across Virginia expressed interest in understanding how young students […]
VKRP Mid-Year Assessment Timepoint: Providing Insights into Students’ Progress
VKRP Mid-Year Assessment Timepoint Providing Insights into Students’ Progress After hearing feedback from division leaders, educators, and families, the VDOE and VKRP teams launched a mid-year assessment timepoint for the 2024-2025 school year. With this optional VKRP timepoint, divisions, schools, and programs could decide their levels of participation based on their needs and preferences. Some […]