Search just this section

Home > Education Issues > Myth v. Reality	Print View

February 2004 - Myth: Minnesota Kindergarteners Have Needed Skills

REALITY: "In process" is not yet "proficient."

According to a February 2004 release by the Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota children have the skills they need to succeed in Kindergarten.

The release was based on the findings of the Fall 2003 report "Minnesota School Readiness Year Two Study: Developmental Assessment at Kindergarten Entrance," prepared by the Minnesota School Readiness Study Team representing the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS).

The MDE lumped together "proficient" and "in process" to put a positive spin on the study's findings.

"In process" is not yet "proficient."

According to the study, while 62% of children were proficient in physical development, less than half were proficient in personal and social development (49%) and the arts (48%). Minnesota children were least proficient in the areas of language and literacy (44%) and mathematical thinking (42%).

"Ten percent or more of the sample children were not yet exhibiting the skills, knowledge, behaviors, or accomplishments in four of the five areas of learning."

The study findings document the need for continued investment in Early Childhood efforts.

Did the Department of Education think we wouldn't read the report?

February 25, 2004 - Minnesota Department of Education Press Release

Additional Information

Minnesota Department of Education:

April 2007 - Fall 2006 Minnesota School Readiness Study Developmental Assessment at Kindergarten Entrance, Minnesota Department of Education.

July 2006 - Minnesota Governor’s Summit on School Readiness 2006 - Themes and opportunities for improvements to Minnesota’s early childhood programs, Minnesota Department of Education.

June 2005 (Rev.) - Minnesota School Readiness Year Three Study: Developmental Assessment at Kindergarten Entrance - Developmental assessment of children at kindergarten entrance in 20 school districts, Minnesota Department of Education.

April 2004 - Using School Readiness Study Information in Your Community - Suggestions for ways in which your local community can use the findings from Minnesota School Readiness Year Two Study: Developmental Assessment at Kindergarten Entrance Fall 2003, Minnesota Department of Education.

Fall 2003 - Minnesota School Readiness Year Two Study - Developmental assessment of 3,002 children at kindergarten entrance in fall 2003, Minnesota Department of Education.

June 2003 - Early Literacy Assessment Systems: Essential Elements, Educational Testing Service.