State Summative Assessments

Each spring, Durango School District (DSD) students take standardized tests in English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. These tests are given to students all over the state and are intended to measure how well students are meeting the learning expectations outlined in the Colorado Academic Standards.

Why does the state give summative assessments?

The Colorado Department of Education coordinates annual state assessments to comply with federal and state laws. These assessments provide the only standardized measure of academic achievement and student success across the state. Assessment results support individual student learning and inform school improvement initiatives.

For Individual Students: Assessment results provide information that shows what your child has been learning and how well they are connecting with classroom instruction.
For Families/Community: Test results provide you and other families in your community with information about how local schools are meeting the needs of all students.
For Schools/Teachers: Test results highlight gaps in achievement so that principals and teachers can make improvements to instruction and work to ensure that all students succeed.
For Policymakers: The results help state policymakers and local school boards identify schools that may need more assistance or resources.

What tests does the state use for summative assessments?

Students in grades 3 through 8 take the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) tests, which were developed specifically for Colorado students. High school students take the PSAT and SAT assessments, which are national tests that align to Colorado’s English Language Arts and Math standards. Students in 11th grade also take the CMAS Science test.

An alternate set of assessments is given to students with significant cognitive disabilities. Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) is the alternate assessment for English Language Arts and Math for students in grades 3 through 11. The Colorado Alternate assessment (CoAlt) is the alternate assessment for Science and Social Studies.

Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS)

The Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) assessments are designed to evaluate students’ knowledge and understanding of the concepts and skills identified in the Colorado Academic Standards (CAS). 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. Students in grades 3 through 8 and 11th grade (for Science) take these tests annually in the spring.

Colorado PSAT and SAT

At the high school level, Colorado uses the PSAT and SAT college entrance exams to measure student mastery of Colorado Academic Standards. The SAT is closely aligned to challenging classroom work of Colorado schools and focuses on the key skills and concepts that evidence shows matter most for college and career readiness. The PSAT tests the same skills and knowledge as the SAT in a way that makes sense for 9th and 10th-graders. High school students take these tests annually in the spring.

Colorado Alternate Assessment (CoAlt) & Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM)

The Colorado Alternate (CoAlt) Assessment and Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) are academic, standards-based assessments designed specifically for eligible students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. DLM is the alternate assessment for English Language Arts and Math for students in grades 3 through 11. CoAlt is the alternate assessment for Science and Social Studies. These assessments determine the level at which Colorado students with the most significant cognitive disabilities meet the Extended Evidence Outcomes (EEOs) of the Colorado Academic Standards. Eligible students take these in place of CMAS assessments.

ACCESS for English Language Learners (ELLs)

ACCESS for ELLs is an English language proficiency test that measures students’ academic English language skills. Test scores help teachers evaluate your child’s progress in learning academic English and help schools decide what English language support services to provide. As a parent, you can use test information to advocate for your child at school. Students who are identified as English Language Learners take this test annually.

How can parents support their children for state assessments?

Talk with your child and make sure they understand why they are taking state tests.
Talk to your child’s teacher about accessing practice materials and other resources.
Talk to your child’s teacher about any supports or accommodations that might help your child access instruction and the state tests.
Use positive language about testing and talk about testing as a regular part of learning.

Are students required to participate in state assessments?

Joshua Perdue Accountability and Assessment Coordinator

Email Joshua Perdue