This April, like every spring, students in 3rd through 5th grades at Greenwood Elementary will participate in the Colorado Measures of Academic Success, or CMAS, tests. Learn more about the CMAS exams and why they are important.
The CMAS exams are the state of Colorado's statewide assessment for student performance in language arts, math, science and social studies. The CMAS exams are aligned to the state’s academic standards and are designed to gauge how well students are mastering statewide standards and grade level proficiencies.
TESTING DETAILS
CMAS Assessment | Tested Grade | Who is required to test? |
Mathematics | 3-8 | All |
English Language Arts (ELA) | 3-8 | All |
Spanish Language Arts (CSLA) | 3-4 | Identified ELs |
Science | 5, 8, 11 | All |
Social Studies | * | Not administered in 2023 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Greenwood conduct the CMAS Exams?
This year Greenwood will be conducting the exams on April 13th, 14th, 17th, 18th and 19th based on the schedule below:
4/13/23 - grades 3-5, AM & PM
4/14/23 - grades 3-5, AM & PM
4/17/23 - 5th grade only - Science
4/18/23 - 5th grade only - Science
4/19/23 - 5th grade only - Science
Please make sure your kids are well rested and eat a healthy breakfast on those days. And click below to get a reminder and add the exams to your calendar.
What is the purpose of CMAS exams?
The CMAS exams are designed to gauge how well students are: (1) mastering statewide educational standards; and (2) prepared for their next grade. CMAS results provide a picture of student performance to schools, districts, teachers, parents, and the community. Results also show how students are progressing academically, which is a key component to ensuring students are on track for their grade levels. Teachers use CMAS results to enhance instruction in order to meet individual student needs. And schools and districts use CMAS results to make adjustments to instructional programming for the following year.
Who takes CMAS exams?
The CMAS exams are given to students in the following grades and subjects:
English language arts (Grades 3-8). A Spanish Language Arts test, known as CSLA, is given in place of the English language arts test to identified 3rd and 4th grade English language learners.
Mathematics (Grades 3-8)
Science (Grades 5, 8, 11)
*Social studies will not be administered in 2023.
How will students be tested?
The CMAS exams are primarily administered online. There is a paper/pencil option available for students testing with accommodations, or for schools with technology limitations.
Can my student practice the CMAS exam at home?
Yes! Click the link below for access to CMAS practice items provided by the Colorado Department of Education (make sure you choose the right grade).
We encourage you as parents to take a look or even try taking your student's practice tests yourself.
Your children's teachers use some of these practice items in class with their students as well. So, do not feel like you need to have your child complete these particular practice items at home. But feel free to have them do so if they are interested or you are curious about how the exam works.
When will CMAS results be available?
Results are released by the state in early Fall with schools sending home Student Performance Reports (SPRs) shortly thereafter. Click below to see assessment results for the past several years, including 2022.
Can I opt out of the CMAS?
Parents are allowed to opt their children out of the CMAS exams. Click here for information about how to do so.
