KPM: KPM & TEA Statewide Kindergarten Readiness Score: Frequently Asked Questions

Below are frequently asked questions related to TEA’s Statewide Kindergarten Readiness Score as it applies to the Circle Kindergarten Progress Monitoring (KPM) assessment.

❓ How Is the Statewide Kindergarten Readiness Score Determined Using KPM?

The Statewide Kindergarten Readiness Score is calculated based on student performance on three specific KPM subtests:

• Vocabulary

• Letter Names

• Spelling

To be considered kindergarten-ready according to TEA criteria, students must meet the “On Track” benchmark (green) in all three subtests.

Each subtest also includes individual benchmark levels:

• On Track (Green)

• Monitor (Yellow)

• Needs Support (Red)

These benchmarks help districts identify students who may benefit from additional instructional support. Students scoring in the “Needs Support” range (red) typically fall within the bottom 25th percentile and may require targeted intervention.

📝 What Has Changed in TEA’s Reporting of Kindergarten Readiness Scores?

Beginning with the 2022–23 school year, TEA began reporting Statewide Kindergarten Readiness based on the number of students who:

• Meet the “On Track” benchmark in all three required subtests, and

• Are not identified as needing support.

In addition to the composite readiness score, Local Education Agencies (LEAs) now receive detailed subtest-level data to support instructional planning and decision-making.

For more information on scoring methodologies, visit the Alternate Scoring Resource Page.

📚 Additional Resources

• TEA Early Learning Assessments

• KPM Toolkit – CLI Engage

• Dyslexia Screening – CLI Engage

For questions about prekindergarten through grade 2 assessments, contact the TEA Division of Early Childhood at earlychildhoodeducation@tea.texas.gov.