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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GKIDS Readiness Check?

Across the nation, many states are measuring students’ kindergarten readiness. The GKIDS Readiness Check is a new component of the Georgia Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (GKIDS). It is designed to be administered during the first six weeks of the kindergarten year. The GKIDS Readiness Check is aligned to the Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS). The goal of the Readiness Check is to provide information about the skills of students in the following areas: English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Foundations of School Success.

What is the purpose of the GKIDS Readiness Check?

The primary purpose of the GKIDS Readiness Check is to highlight knowledge and skills critical for student success in learning and to guide classroom instruction. The GKIDS Readiness Check will provide information that allows kindergarten teachers to individualize student instruction.

How will the GKIDS Readiness Check impact my child?

The assessment does not keep your child from entering kindergarten, and it does not determine if your child “passes” kindergarten. It is designed to help teachers individualize instruction to meet the needs of all learners. By understanding each child’s strengths and areas that may need improvement, teachers can be more intentional with planning lessons.

If my child has a special education plan, are they administered the GKIDS Readiness Check?

Yes, the GKIDS Readiness Check is accessible to all students at kindergarten entry, including students with disabilities and English learners. Because teachers have the freedom to assess per the individual needs of each student, standard accommodations are allowed if the accommodations are a part of the student's IEP, IAP, or EL/TPC plan. Administration of the GKIDS Readiness Check is designed to be unobtrusive and naturalistic within the kindergarten setting.

What will the teacher do with the results of the GKIDS Readiness Check?

Teachers will use the results to help plan appropriate instruction and to better understand each student’s strengths and areas of need. Teachers will also share the results with families to support learning and development at home.

Will I receive the results of the GKIDS Readiness Check?

Yes, your child’s teacher will share the results and discuss ways to collaborate in supporting your child’s learning and development. An individual student report will be shared which summarizes your child’s performance in each of the three domains: Foundations of School Success, English Language Arts, and Mathematics. Additionally, the report will detail how your child performed in each of the 20 activities.

What is school readiness?

School readiness is how prepared a child is for school - socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally. It also includes how prepared a school is to receive, support, and instruct entering kindergarten students. School readiness is a collaborative effort between the school, community, and families.

When does the GKIDS Readiness Check take place?

The GKIDS Readiness Check will be administered in the first six weeks of kindergarten. This six-week window will vary across districts, depending on the start date of the school year. Teachers may administer the GKIDS Readiness Check activities at any time during this window.

How will my child be assessed?

Activities for the GKIDS Readiness Check are designed to allow some flexibility for the teacher during administration. For some skills, teachers may observe student performance during the course of regular classroom instruction. For others, teachers may administer the activities one-on-one, in small group, or whole group settings.

How can I prepare my child for the GKIDS Readiness Check?

Engaging in learning activities with your child at home can help prepare your child for kindergarten. Reading books, talking, playing games, and social interactions all support children’s learning and development. This website provides additional information on the GKIDS Readiness Check and includes videos, resources, and activity ideas that will help you support your child at home.