The full R4K!S scoring method can be found in each year’s report from https://education.vermont.gov/student-support/early-education/assessment.
to determine readiness is as follows:
A three-point scale 1-“beginning”, 2-“practicing”, and 3-“performing independently” is used for item (question) scoring for all questions except the six in the Physical Development and Health domain. These Physical Development and Health domain questions are reported as 1-“disagree”, 2-“somewhat agree”, and 3-“strongly agree”.
The “Total Score” refers to the total 3-point score, based on question responses across 32 items. The total score excludes two out of the six Physical Development and Health questions. Question 11, “…missing school due to illness or lack of physical health” and question 12, “…begins…well nourished”, are collected for descriptive information only.
R4K!S uses a four level scale to calculate overall readiness. Students whose Total Scores fall into categories three and four (“ready and practicing” and “ready and performing independently”) are identified as ready.
Table 1. Readiness Level Score Ranges and Descriptions
Readiness Level |
Total Score Range |
Description |
1 – Not Yet Ready |
32-49 |
This student has demonstrated a beginning level of kindergarten readiness on most items. This student may need intensive supports across development areas to reach kindergarten readiness. |
2 – Approaching Ready |
50-63 |
This student has demonstrated at least a practicing level of kindergarten readiness on many items, but may need intensive support in some development areas to reach kindergarten readiness. |
3 – Ready and Practicing |
64-78 |
This student on average is practicing on all items of kindergarten readiness. |
4 – Ready and Performing Independently |
79-96 |
This student is performing independently on many items of kindergarten readiness. |
Table 2. Statewide Percentages by School Year for Each Readiness Level
Readiness Level |
2015-2016 School Year Statewide Percentage |
2016-2017 School Year Statewide Percentage |
1 – Not Yet Ready |
7% |
6% |
2 – Approaching Ready |
12% |
10% |
3 – Ready and Practicing |
25% |
22% |
4 – Ready and Performing Independently |
57% |
61% |
Total of all students statewide identified as ready |
82% |
83% |