Columbia considers new kindergarten assessments

The Columbia School District is considering new kindergarten readiness assessments.

The Columbia Board of Education addressed the program at its meeting Monday night. Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Schools Peter Stiepleman says that better assessments are necessary because the children entering kindergarten have a wide variety of experience.

Kindergarten readiness is just one assessment designed to test the progress of Columbia Public School students. School Board President Tom Rose says the ultimate goal is for all students to graduate. He says 25-percent of kindergartners are entering school unprepared, creating an early set-back for those students.