Less than half of students in both Montgomery and Prince George’s County are ready for kindergarten, according to an assessment released last week. Statewide, 42% of kindergartners in Maryland are demonstrating readiness, a 2% increase compared to the 2021-2022 school year.

The Kindergartner Readiness Assessment (KRA) is administered by the state to incoming kindergartners within the first two months of each school year, and assesses social foundations, language and literacy, mathematics, and physical well-being and motor development.

Prince George’s County students saw a 3% increase in readiness compared to last year, but they still have the lowest rate in the state, with 31% of kindergarten students demonstrating readiness. Montgomery County is above the state average, with 44% of students ready for kindergarten; the county was at 46% last school year.

Among various racial groups, readiness for kindergarten has largely improved since last year, but disparities persist across the state. While 56% of white and 54% of Asian students demonstrated readiness, Black (37%) and Hispanic (22%) students drastically lag behind. Economically disadvantaged students are also in a low percentile at 29%, while students with disabilities have seen no improvement since last year (17%).

In 2021, state legislators passed the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future legislative bill for the second time, after overriding a veto from Gov. Larry Hogan. The bill increases education funding by $3.8 billion each year over 10 years. Earlier this month, the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB) unanimously adopted the plan, which includes a priority on early childhood education.

School systems have already started addressing their students’ needs. In July, PGCPS partnered with five childcare providers to expand access to pre-kindergarten and increase readiness. PGCPS also used a grant to fund the enrollment of 550 rising kindergartners into its Rising Stars summer educational program.  The Judy Center Early Learning Hubs also hosted summer programs providing exposure to literacy, math, social foundations, and more.

Early childhood education and the expansion of pre-kindergarten programs have also been a part of Montgomery County’s goals. The county plans to expand and increase access to pre-K programs, including pre-K at no cost for families living at or below 300% of the federal poverty level in the 2023 fiscal year.

Previously: 

Less Than Half Of Montgomery And Prince George’s County Kindergarteners Were Ready For School Last Year