The pilot was aimed at assessing the feasibility of incorporating a multi-dimensional assessment into Kindergarten classrooms that would a) inform efforts that focus on strengthening children's early learning experiences, and b) give teachers the information needed to provide children with an appropriate learning environment--to meet them where they are and move them on the path to success in multiple academic and developmental domains. The pilot approach was shaped by feedback from local-level stakeholders and the work of a team of experts including researchers from UVA, VT, and VCU; local school division and Smart Beginnings leaders; and Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) staff. Based on input from Smart Beginnings stakeholders and early childhood researchers and educators, and information available from other states' experiences, VECF chose to pilot Teaching Strategies GOLD (R). GOLD is a tool that supports a formative assessment process and provides teachers and administrators with a summary of children's status along a developmental continuum at agreed-upon checkpoints throughout the year. This assessment is currently being piloted or is in use in several states, including Washington, New Jersey, Colorado, and Hawai'i. (author abstract)