The number of kindergarten-ready students has remained steady over the past few years – with 36.1% in 2018, 36.9% in 2017 and 36.4% in 2016.

The assessment evaluates early literacy skills like the ability to recognize letters, match letters to their sounds and recognize that print flows from left to right for new kindergartners each August.

Eighty-five percent of students who score 530 or above on the assessment are on track to become proficient readers by the end of third grade, according to the Mississippi Department of Education.

“High-quality early childhood education prepares children for success in kindergarten and has a positive impact on academic achievement throughout a child’s education,” state superintendent of education Dr. Carey Wright said.

Assessment results are used to measure how well Pre-K programs prepare 4-year-olds for kindergarten and help teachers base lessons plans on their students’ needs.

The average score across the state of Mississippi for 2019 was 502, which is one point higher than in 2018.

Only 14 of the 141 school districts in Mississippi received an average score at or above the 530 mark.

Lee County School District’s 532 test-takers scored an average of 487. Saltillo Primary School’s kindergartners performed the best out of Lee County’s four elementary schools, with an average score of 498.

Tupelo Public School District’s 534 test-takers scored an average of 513. Carver Elementary School’s kindergartners performed best out of Tupelo’s four elementary schools, with an average score of 525.