Pioneer Elementary School 2026-2027
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.
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.
Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS)Â
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
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.
Colorado Alternate Assessment (CoAlt)Â
CoAlt is Colorado's alternate assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities who meet the eligibility requirements for an alternate assessment.
CoAlt is individually administered, and testing time varies depending on the student's needs and responses.
Grades/Subject assessed:
Grade 3 - ELA and Math
Grade 4 - ELA and Math, no more Social Studies
Grade 5 - ELA, Math, Science
Spring 2027 Pioneer Assessment ScheduleÂ
(LINK)Â - Coming mid-November
In November, the link above will take you to the testing schedule specific to Pioneer Elementary School.
State Assessment Excusal
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.
Parents may excuse their student(s) from state assessments through the Parent Portal. Please complete the form by December 18, 2026. You will need an active Parent Portal account to log in.Â
👉 Step-by-step instructions and the excusal form can be found here:  2026-2027 DCSD Assessment Excusal Instructions & Portal Link
Check out the DCSD Frequently Asked Questions site. If you have questions about state assessments, testing accommodations, or the assessment excusal process, please contact Pioneer Elementary's School Assessment Coordinator (SAC), Jenny Bigbey at jbigbey@dcsdk12.orgÂ