The VKRP Assessments
The Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) includes a coordinated set of assessments that measure children’s skills in early literacy and language (VLP), mathematics (EMAS), self-regulation (CBRS), social skills (CBRS), and mental health well-being.
EARLY MATHEMATICS ASSESSMENT SYSTEM
Measuring Mathematics Skills
VKRP uses the Early Mathematics Assessment System (EMAS) to measure children’s mathematical thinking. The EMAS is a reliable and valid assessment that draws on modern cognitive science, as well as developmental and educational research.
CHILD BEHAVIOR RATING SCALE
Measuring Self-Regulation, Social Skills, and Mental Health Well-Being
VKRP measures self-regulation and social skills using the Child Behavior Rating Scale (CBRS). In the fall of 2021, during the Covid-19 pandemic, VKRP added several items to the CBRS to assess teachers’ perceptions of students’ mental health well-being.
Teachers complete a short rating scale that measures their perceptions of a student’s behavior with other children and adults, as well as their engagement with materials and tasks in the classroom, and their mental health well-being.
PRE-K LANGUAGE & LITERACY SCREENER AND PALS-K
Measuring Language and Literacy Skills
The VKRP assessments of mathematics, social skills, self-regulation and mental health well-being complement the Pre-K Language & Literacy Screener (VALLS: Pre-K) and the PALS-K, which have assessed children’s literacy skills over the years and is used in all school divisions across Virginia.
