§7–210.

    (a)    Beginning in the 2022–2023 school year, a racially and culturally unbiased statewide kindergarten assessment that is administered with the purpose of measuring school readiness to be used for diagnostic purposes, curriculum development, and early detection of learning challenges shall be given to all incoming kindergarten students in the State and:

        (1)    May include an evaluation of:

            (i)    Language and literacy skills;

            (ii)    Academic knowledge in mathematics, science, and social studies;

            (iii)    Physical development; and

            (iv)    Social development; and

        (2)    Shall be completed on or before October 10 with the aggregate results returned within 45 days after administration of the assessment.

    (b)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a statewide kindergarten assessment may not be administered to an enrolled prekindergarten student.

        (2)    A statewide kindergarten assessment or early learning assessment may be administered to an enrolled prekindergarten student by a school psychologist or other school–based professional who intends to use the results in order to identify a disability.

    (c)    Subject to subsection (d) of this section, a county board:

        (1)    Is encouraged to administer a portion of the assessment to students in the county during the summer months before kindergarten begins; and

        (2)    May administer the remaining portion of the assessment during the school year.

    (d)    Before administering the early learning assessment, a county board shall consult with kindergarten teachers, including teachers nominated by the exclusive bargaining representative, in determining how to implement the assessment.

    (e)    The assessment in this section shall be the sole diagnostic assessment for measuring school readiness.

    (f)    The Department shall adopt regulations to implement the requirements of this section.