Which of the following is NOT a misuse of standardized tests for young children?

Using standardized tests to assess individual child growth is considered an appropriate and valid application of such assessments. This option aligns with the purpose of standardized testing, which is often designed to measure a child's skills and development over time. Assessing individual growth allows educators and parents to understand how a child's abilities are progressing and to tailor support accordingly.

In contrast, using standardized tests to rate a program or limit kindergarten entry can lead to several issues, such as misinterpretation of the test results, which may not accurately reflect the capabilities or potential of the program or the individual child. These practices can create pressure on both educators and students, making them unsuitable uses of standardized assessments for young children. Furthermore, using tests as a gatekeeper for kindergarten entry does not take into consideration the varied developmental timelines of young learners, which can result in inequitable access to education based on test performance rather than individual readiness.