These resources detail THAT a test/evaluation will be conducted, but omits specifically what is evaluated. "... only children who meet rigorous admission standards will be accepted early into the kindergarten program. To meet these rigorous standards, children must have demonstrated exceptional ability in social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development." "The testing results, along with the other application information, will be used to determine early admission to school. " I request the specific test/evaluation procedures, questions, and instrument used during the test/evaluation.
2) Once accepted for early-admission into Kindergarten, children are subject to further evaluation, as detailed in the previously referenced resources. "However, all children admitted early into kindergarten will be observed for a 30-calendar-day trial period at the beginning of the school year to determine if their classroom performance reflects the skills, abilities, and disposition needed for continuing as an early admission student." I request the specific test/evaluation procedures, questions, and instrument used during the test/evaluation.
Under MPIA GP § 4-345 an agency may deny inspection of the part of a record that would be contrary to the public interest, specifically examination information related to academic matters. As such, we are withholding the Howard County Public School System’s Early Admission Assessment that contains the specific test questions used during early kindergarten admission assessments. The broad subjects evaluated can be found in the sample response letter released below.
Regarding the evaluation of a child after they have been admitted to early kindergarten, our Office of Early Childhood Programs indicates there are not specific documents or procedures used by teachers, but rather if there is a concern about the appropriate placement of any child in a kindergarten classroom they work on a case-by-case basis to determine how to best support that child. For reference, a teacher would likely be looking for the assessment items found in the Developmental Checklist A released below.