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 a 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 Early Literacy Spanish
Star Math & Star Math Spanish
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 across 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:
Content Standards
The KRA and ELA are aligned to the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards (MCCRS).
Test preparation and practice
A Clickable Sample Test will be available in the spring of 2025 in addition to the Sample Items.
Accommodations information
Additional guidance for supporting prekindergarten and kindergarten students with disabilities and multilingual learners will be available in the spring of 2025.
Assessment results
Additional resources and information
Contact:
Emily Oliver
Project Manager for Early Childhood Assessments
Office: (410) 767-0055
emily.oliver@maryland.gov