Colorado Measures of Academic Success
The Colorado Measures of Academic Success, or CMAS, is the state summative assessment for language arts, math, science and social studies. CMAS is aligned to the state’s rigorous academic standards and designed to gauge how well students are mastering the standards and are prepared for their next grade.
CMAS English language arts (ELA) and mathematics assessment questions were originally developed as a result of a collaboration between The Colorado Department of Education and PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers). The Colorado Department of Education has worked with Colorado educators to develop state specific test items to appear on CMAS ELA and math assessments, starting in Spring 2019. CMAS science, social studies, and the Spanish language arts assessments were developed by a collaboration between The Colorado Department of Education, testing contractor Pearson, and Colorado educators.
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 | 4/7/25-4/25/25 |
English Language Arts (ELA) | 3-8 | All | 4/7/25-4/25/25 |
Spanish Language Arts (CSLA) | 3, 4 | Identified ELs | 4/7/25-4/25/25 |
Science | 5, 8, 11 | All | 4/7/25-4/25/25 |
Social Studies | 4, 7 | *All | 4/7/25-4/25/25 |
Pending approval by CDE, schools may begin online testing in the extended windows for Mathematics and ELA (including CSLA) - specific dates coming soon.
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 (TBA) for approved opt-in schools.
*Social studies will be administered in 2025 to students in 4th and 7th grade at selected schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources
A Parent’s Guide to the Colorado Measures of Academic Standards (CMAS)
Supporting Student Success
CMAS Performance Levels and Policy Claims including Cut Scores
Understanding the Score Report - Videos
CMAS Sample Score Report: Math
CMAS Sample Score Report: English Language Arts
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.