State assessments are one way Colorado measures how students are progressing toward the Colorado Academic Standards. These assessments provide information that helps students, families, teachers, and schools understand student learning and identify areas for continued growth.
At Rocky Heights Middle School, we view assessment results as one piece of the larger picture of student learning. Classroom performance, teacher feedback, student growth, and other information are also important when supporting our students.
The Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) are Colorado's statewide academic assessments.
For middle school students, CMAS assessments include:
English Language Arts (ELA): Grades 6–8
Math: Grades 6–8
Science: Grade 8
Social Studies: Grade 7
For 2027, some CMAS assessments have a new structure. Math and Science will be divided into two sections of 75 minutes each, while ELA will continue to have three 90-minute sections. Grade 7 Social Studies will have one 75-minute section.
The 2027 CMAS and CoAlt testing window for elementary and middle schools is:
April 5–23, 2027
Our school will communicate specific testing dates and schedules to families as they are finalized.
CoAlt is Colorado's alternate assessment for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who meet the eligibility requirements outlined through their IEP.
CoAlt is designed to assess students based on the educational standards and outcomes identified for them. Eligible students take CoAlt rather than the corresponding general state assessment.
CoAlt assessments are administered individually, generally in a 1:1 testing environment, with the specific assessment format depending on the subject and grade level.
Families do not need to register their student for CoAlt. Eligibility and assessment decisions are connected to the student's educational program and IEP.
If you have questions about your child's assessment participation, please reach out to your child's case manager or our special education team.