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,

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

  • 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.

CoAlt 

• • 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

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), Sarah Mitzel at sjmitzel@dcsdk12.org.