About Kindergarten Readiness Assessment

What is the KRA?

The KRA (Kindergarten Readiness Assessment) is Michigan's Kindergarten Entry Observation tool. It is a developmentally-appropriate assessment designed to measure the school readiness of incoming kindergarten students across four domains. Assessing children across multiple domains helps kindergarten teachers gain a better understanding of the whole child - of each child, including areas of strength and areas of need. The KRA blends teacher observation with direct performance. 

Why is it important to assess early learning?

There is evidence to support that learning and development in the early years are the foundation for future educational achievement. Therefore, the KRA assessment results can help educators advocate for students to receive the necessary supports, access, and opportunity. 

What is the purpose of the KRA?

The overall purpose of the KRA is to support and advance children's early learning, academic, social, and physical development. 

• The KRA provides teachers with baseline data about incoming kindergarten students so that teachers and schools can plan to meet each student's needs. 
• The KRA informs and guides leaders to make well-informed programmatic, policy, and funding decisions to ensure schools, programs, and teachers are ready to meet the diverse needs of incoming kindergarten students. 

KRA Domains

The KRA assesses four domains to help teachers holistically assess students' areas of strengths and areas of needs. 

• Language and Literacy
• Mathematics
• Social Foundations
• Physical Well-Being and Motor Development