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   The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) announced that 70 schools from 45 districts and charter schools will partner with MDE this fall to pilot the Minnesota Kindergarten Fall Assessment (MnKFA), an observation-based approach designed to be embedded in everyday classroom experiences, such as communication, problem-solving and play.

   The pilot reflects the Walz-Flanagan Administration’s commitment to investing in education and making Minnesota the best state for kids by helping educators gather information to better meet the needs of all students as they transition to kindergarten.

   The MnKFA is not a readiness or skills accountability test because kindergarten eligibility is based on age not skill.

   “Our students deserve to experience success at every stage of their learning journey. By focusing on our youngest learners’ strengths as they transition to kindergarten, educators can shape daily classroom experiences and environments that support every child’s unique needs,” said Early Learning Director Danielle Hayden.

   Information collected through the MnKFA will help schools and districts better prepare to meet the unique educational needs of each kindergartener. This approach will help guide important conversations around kindergarteners’ learning and development to support classroom instruction, inform local decisions that impact young learners, and contribute to a broader statewide understanding of young learners.

   The schools participating in the MnKFA pilot will also help MDE refine the training, resources, and supports for the assessment and strengthen the implementation process prior to all Minnesota kindergarteners being assessed in fall 2027.

   MDE, in partnership with Teaching Strategies, LLC, will provide participating districts and charter schools with training, technical assistance, and opportunities to share input.

   Local schools participating in this pilot assessment include the Hill City Public School District and Northland Community Schools.

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