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MSDE outlines rollout of new KRA vendor tools, training and reporting windows
Summary
MSDE briefed the board on the kindergarten readiness assessment (KRA) rollout using STAR assessments and SABERS; training is scheduled this summer and the official fall administration window runs through Oct. 10, 2025, with optional progress monitoring windows.
MSDE provided an update on the new Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) system the department selected after review of the prior instrument and a decision to reprocure.
Tim Guy, MSDE assistant superintendent for assessment, described the package: Renaissance STAR Early Literacy (10‑minute adaptive early‑literacy assessment), STAR Math (20‑minute adaptive math assessment), and SABERS (a teacher‑completed social‑emotional checklist). MSDE said STAR literacy and STAR math are available in English and Spanish; the assessments are computer delivered and can be administered in small groups or individually as needed. An optional early learning assessment (10‑minute adaptive) and an observational pro‑lader (teacher checklist) are available and optional for pre‑K providers, including private providers.
Guy said MSDE has delivered regional three‑hour overview sessions and will offer test‑administrator training in August and on‑demand resources for summer hires. MSDE noted reports for districts will be available to teachers quickly after administration; public reporting of KRA results will follow a 45‑day timeline after the district window closes. The official fall window runs through Oct. 10 to align with COMAR; optional winter and spring administration windows are available for progress monitoring but will not be publicly reported.
Guy said the STAR CBM (curriculum‑based measure) fulfills screening requirements of the Ready to Read Act and can be used as the required screener, though districts may keep their existing screeners. The department emphasized accommodations: paper versions are available, extended time and other accommodations can be used, and MSDE worked with special education staff to provide guidance for students with disabilities and multilingual learners.
Board members asked about logistics (single‑sign on via Clever/ClassLink, QR codes to speed sign‑in), the recommended 30‑day observation period for the SABERS screener, and whether MSDE can improve data timeliness for certain accountability indicators. MSDE said it is reviewing reporting cadence and data pipelines and will return with recommendations as needed.
