KPM: Is KPM Norm or Criterion-referenced? What are the benchmarks?

The Circle Kindergarten Progress Monitoring (KPM) assessment is a standardized, criterion-referenced tool. This means it evaluates each student’s performance against a predetermined set of benchmarks, rather than comparing them to the performance of other students.

KPM is designed to be sensitive to growth in a child’s skills over time. It uses cut scores to determine whether a student is meeting specific learning goals, helping educators make informed instructional decisions that support foundational skill development and readiness for the next grade level.

The benchmarks used in KPM are grounded in extensive research and validation studies conducted across Texas. These studies ensure the reliability and validity of the assessment, making KPM a trusted tool for monitoring children’s progress throughout the school year.