From Newsweek · · 1m 10s
Map shows states where most US kids fail kindergarten tests
New federal report reveals 5 states where over half of kindergarten children miss readiness benchmarks.
In brief
New federal report reveals 5 states where over half of kindergarten children miss readiness benchmarks. In Ohio, Florida, Maryland and Kentucky, more than half of children failed kindergarten readiness benchmarks in 2024-2025 assessments. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Federal report finds kindergarten readiness gaps
More than half of children in Ohio, Florida, Maryland and Kentucky did not meet kindergarten readiness benchmarks.
GAO assesses five states' kindergarten readiness
Government Accountability Office assessed kindergarten readiness in Ohio, Florida, Maryland, Kentucky and Connecticut.
Kindergarten readiness benchmark definition
Kindergarten readiness refers to skills and abilities needed for school success including social development, language, physical well-being and motor skills.
Ohio, Florida and Kentucky results
63 percent of Ohio children, 57 percent of Florida children and 54 percent of Kentucky children missed kindergarten readiness benchmarks.
Maryland readiness results
56 percent of Maryland children missed kindergarten readiness benchmarks in 2023-2024 assessments.
Connecticut readiness results
Fewer than half of Connecticut children met readiness benchmarks in four of six skill areas.
Gender differences in readiness
Girls outperformed boys across all five states in kindergarten readiness assessments.
The bottom line
In Ohio, Florida, Maryland and Kentucky, more than half of children failed kindergarten readiness benchmarks in 2024-2025 assessments.
