TO:
NC K-3 Formative Assessment Process Stakeholders
FROM:
John Pruette
DATE:
March 16, 2017
SUBJECT:
NC Kindergarten Entry Assessment
Let me begin by again expressing my sincere appreciation for your efforts in implementing the kindergarten
entry portion of the NC K-3 Formative Assessment Process. As we continue working together in the 20172018 school year, the KEA will include eight construct progressions spanning the five domains of student
learning and development. You will notice minor modifications to progressions marked with an *. These
modifications reflect input from the field and are designed to improve clarity. Additional K-3 construct
progressions will remain available as options that can be selected within the online platform.
Required and Optional
KEA Construct Progressions
Domains of
Learning and Development
Language Development &
Communication
Engagement in Self- Selected
Activities
Object Counting*
Emotional Literacy
Grip and Manipulation
Crossing Midline
Hand Dominance
Following Directions
Letter Naming
Language Development &
Communication
Book Orientation*
Print Awareness*
Approaches to Learning
Required KEA Construct
Progressions
Optional KEA Construct
Progressions
KEA Construct Progressions
Cognitive Development
Emotional-Social Development
Health and Physical
Development
The use of the NC K-3 Formative Assessment Process online platform is integral to the assessment process.
The platform shall be used for the collection and analysis of evidence to support the determination of learning
statuses and the selection of learning targets, which are critical components of the formative assessment
process. The documentation of student learning collected within the platform provides the evidence needed to
sufficiently substantiate the status summaries and meet the Kindergarten Entry Assessment (KEA)
requirements. In addition, your continued use of the platform is invaluable. Your experiences inform our efforts
to ensure that it is an effective tool that supports the formative assessment process and helps to inform the daily
learning experiences you provide for your students.
Please know your experiences demonstrate that NC kindergarten teachers are invested in the K-3 Formative
Assessment Process beyond the 60th day, building deeper professional understanding of the construct
progressions and using evidences elicited within the context of daily teaching and learning to inform instruction
throughout the academic year. Information gathered from the statewide implementation of the KEA over the
last two years will inform plans for implementation of the assessment beyond kindergarten entry.
The Office of Early Learning looks forward to our continued collaboration as we identify additional ways to
support your district’s implementation efforts. Please feel free to contact your Regional Consultant for assistance.
OFFICE OF EARLY LEARNING
John R. Pruette, M.Ed., Executive Director | [email protected] | http://dpi.state.nc.us/earlylearning/
2075 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-2075 | (919) 807-3946
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER