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State Mandated Testing

Colorado students participate in state assessments each year to measure academic progress and ensure schools are meeting state standards.

What to Expect

  • Students in designated grades take CMAS assessments in English Language Arts, Math, and Science
  • Testing takes place in the spring
  • A detailed school testing schedule will be shared with families

Beginning in Spring 2026, CMAS will be administered online. Paper-based testing will only be available for approved accommodations.

Our Approach

We aim to create a calm, supportive testing environment. State assessments are one measure of learning and are considered alongside classroom work and overall student growth.

Accommodations

Students may qualify for paper testing or other supports if they are unable to access online assessments, including:

  • Neurological conditions (e.g., recent concussion)
  • Conditions that impact screen use (e.g., seizures)
  • Braille or large print needs
  • Adaptive equipment incompatibility
  • Disabilities that prevent safe device use

Contact us if you believe your student may need accommodations.

Family Choice

Colorado law allows parents/guardians to excuse their student from state assessments.

We encourage families to review available information and reach out with any questions.

 

State Assessments and Testing Information

At DCSD, we want families to have clear information about the assessments students may take during the school year. State assessments provide information about student learning and help schools, districts, and the state understand how students are progressing toward Colorado's academic standards.

Why Does My Child Take State Assessments?

State assessments are one measure of student learning. Results can provide information about:

  • How students are progressing toward Colorado Academic Standards
  • Areas of academic strength and areas for continued growth
  • Student achievement and growth over time
  • How schools and districts are supporting student learning
  • Instructional and programmatic decisions

State assessment results are not intended to represent the complete picture of a student's abilities or academic progress. 

Resource: DCSD Board Policy IK: State Mandated Assessments 

Assessment Calendar, Schedules, and Board Policy

Assessment dates vary by grade level and assessment.

Colorado State Assessments

  • CMAS 

    • The Colorado Measures of Academic Success, or CMAS, measures student learning in specific academic areas.

    • Grades/Subject assessed:

      • Grade 3 - ELA and Math

      • Grade 4 - ELA and Math (no more Social Studies)

      • Grade 5 - ELA, Math, Science

      • Grade 6 - ELA and Math

      •  

    • Beginning in Spring 2026, Colorado's state assessments are administered online. Paper testing is no longer a general testing option unless the school decides to test the entire grade level (Grades 3 and 4 only). Paper and pencil testing is available only as an accommodation for qualifying students with a documented disability whose IEP or 504 Plan identifies a need for a paper based format.

Parents and Guardians May Excuse Their Student

Colorado law allows a parent or guardian to excuse their student from participating in state assessments.

DCSD respects every family's right to make this decision. Families who choose to excuse their student should follow the school's assessment excusal process.

26-27 DCSD Assessment Excusal Form Walkthrough Parent/Guardian

Questions?

If you have questions about state assessments, testing accommodations, or the assessment excusal process, please contact your school's School Assessment Coordinator (SAC), Amie Shaffner at ashaffner1@dcsdk12.org@dcsdk12.org.