State Mandated Testing

State assessments are one of the measures of student learning. Results can provide information about: 

• How students are progressing towards Colorado Academic Standards
• Areas of academic strength and areas for continued growth 
• Students' 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. 

Resource: DCSD Board Policy IK: State Mandated Assessments 

Assessment dates vary by grade level and assessment.

School Assessment Schedule - Coming Soon!

DCSD Assessment Calendar

HB15-1323 Updated August 2026

DCSD Board Policy IK: State Mandated Assessments

CMAS (Grades 3, 4, 5)

The Colorado Measures of Academic Success, or CMAS, measures student learning in specific academic areas. 

Grades/Subjects Assessed: 

• Grade 3 - ELA and Math 
• Grade 4 - ELA and Math 
• Grade 5 - ELA, Math, and 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 (Grades 3, 4, 5)

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 students' needs and responses. 

• Grade 3 - ELA and Math 
• Grade 4 - ELA and Math 
• Grade 5 - ELA, Math, and Science

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

If you have questions about state assessments, testing accommodations, or the assessment excusal process, please contact your school's School Assessment Coordinator (SAC), Becky Krug, at rckrug@dcsdk12.org