Colorado Measures of Academic Success
Concepts and skills explicitly identified in the Colorado Academic Standards (CAS) are the basis for the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) assessments. The purpose of CMAS is to indicate the degree to which students have mastered the CAS in mathematics, English language arts, science, and social studies at the end of the tested grade level. CMAS results provide one measure of a student’s academic progress relative to the CAS. Teaching to the CAS with fidelity is the best preparation for the CMAS assessments, which were developed by CDE in partnership with Colorado educators and the assessment vendor, Pearson, Inc.
The state of Colorado provides alternate assessments in the same content areas as CMAS – language arts, math, and science. Visit the CoALT page for information about these alternate assessments.
Administration Details
CMAS Assessment | Tested Grade | Who is required to test? | Testing Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
Mathematics | 3-8 | All | 4/6/26-4/24/26 |
English Language Arts (ELA) | 3-8 | All | 4/6/26-4/24/26 |
Spanish Language Arts (CSLA) | 3, 4 | Identified Multilingual Learners (MLLs) | 4/6/26-4/24/26 |
Science | 5, 8, 11 | All | 4/6/26-4/24/26 |
Social Studies | 4, 7 | *Select Schools | 4/6/26-4/24/26 |
Students who take CSLA do not also take ELA.
Science for elementary and middle may only be administered during a specific window, which is listed above.
High Schools may request to opt-in to an early science testing window. All testing must be complete by the due date for approved opt-in schools.
*Every year a sampling of 1/3 of the schools across the state are selected by CDE to administer the Social Studies tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources
A Parent’s Guide to the Colorado Measures of Academic Standards (CMAS)
Opting Out of Assessments
A Parent’s Guide to Opting Out in the Parent Portal
Families who wish to excuse their student from participation in one or more of the state assessments may do so by filling out the district’s opt-out application in Parent Portal from October to February. You may still opt out by scheduling an appointment with your principal or AP and request the Assessment Participation Exemption form to be printed off for you to sign (if your student has not begun taking tests). You may also write a letter and bring it with you to the meeting. If you have more than one child, you will need to fill out the form or write a letter for each child to opt out.
We encourage our students to participate in all assessments because they provide valuable information to families and educators that show whether students have mastered grade-level content and are on track to graduate prepared for the 21st century. Results from these assessments inform where Denver Public Schools can improve curriculum, instruction and leadership in order to ensure that every child receives an equitable education and is on a path to success.