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Introduction of Kindergarten Entry Assessment for Kindergarten Students

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Olga Hugelmeyer 
Superintendent of Schools  


September 21, 2023

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Elizabeth Public Schools is committed to providing a high-quality education that ensures we meet our goals of college preparedness and career readiness for every child.

The New Jersey Department of Education is requiring school districts throughout the state to administer a Kindergarten Entry Assessment (KEA) beginning with the 2023-2024 school year. The assessment must be administered within the first six to eight weeks of the school year to measure children’s knowledge, skills, and behaviors at the beginning of kindergarten.

The KEA will measure social-emotional development, cognitive development, language and literacy development, mathematical and scientific reasoning, and physical development to establish a performance and development baseline for every student in kindergarten.  Students will be administered the KEA in all general education, bilingual education, and special education classrooms by their classroom teachers. Physical education/health teachers will offer support by helping to assess the physical development component while classroom assistants and in-class support teachers will assist with the collection of data.

The KEA, developed by Elizabeth Public Schools, will help the district monitor student progress as they advance through third grade and ensure that students are reaching important milestones during their formative years of education. The assessment will also serve as an effective method to enhance the partnership between families and their child’s learning community. Sharing the results of the assessment with families will provide an opportunity to reinforce classroom learning at home by keeping families engaged with their child’s learning experiences and aware of their child’s skill levels.

The administration of the KEA will take place for all kindergarten students by Monday, October 16. If you have any further questions about the KEA, you may reach Daphne C. Marchetti, Ed. D. at 908-436-5354.

Thank you for your continued support of our schools and for taking an active role in your child’s education.

Sincerely,

Olga Hugelmeyer