Reply #37: are you sure they "must" be able to do those things? or is it a screening test?

[ctaylors6]

My children's public elementary school tests similar things the spring before kindergarten (not Maryland). The teachers and administration use the information mostly for deciding how to make up the different kindergarten classes. One of my friend's is a kindergarten teacher and she says it's as much a social observation testing. For example, they don't want a lot of live wires all in one class. They also like there to be a wide range of abilities in class (eg not have tons of great readers with one kid who can't read at all). Finally, the teachers like to know early in the school year if there are any kids who may need a little more help or a little more challenge.
I saw a huge range of ability in kindergarten. Most kids around here go to preschool, so they usually know letters. The reading ability varies wildly.