CMAS testing starts for 8th grade on Monday, April 8th and on Tuesday, April 9th, for grades 6 and 7. If you are choosing to opt your learners out of CMAS testing, please don’t bring them to school on testing days.
CMAS (Colorado Measures of Academic Success) is a vitally important tool for measuring our school’s overall success and is the only common measuring tool for learners in grades 6 through 8 in Colorado. Participation is important because results help us understand whether learners have mastered the content standards, as well as allow teachers to reflect on teaching practices and help improve education for all students. The timed setting of these assessments can also serve as valuable practice for learners in preparation of the ACT and SAT assessments they take in high school.
CMAS Snacks
If you are able, please donate healthy snacks to give to learners during testing. Each learner will need at least 6 to 8 snacks throughout the tests, so we appreciate everyone pitching in. We are excited to show the amazing growth that our school has made and fueling their bodies in between tests will be helpful. Thank you in advance for your assistance!
Preliminary Testing Information
As is typical, the Cherry Creek School District will administer the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) English Language Arts and Math tests for students in grades 3-8. Additionally, the CMAS Science tests will be administered to students in grades 5, 8, and 11.
CSA Testing Schedule
8th Grade | 8th Grade | 8th Grade |
April 8, 2024 | April 8, 2024 | April 8, 2024 |
8:00-9:30 am | 9:40-11:10 am | 1:40-3:00 pm |
Science Unit 1 – 80 minutes | Science Unit 2 – 80 minutes | Science Unit 3 – 80 minutes |
ALL GRADES | ALL GRADES | ALL GRADES |
April 9, 2024 | April 9, 2024 | April 9, 2024 |
8:20-10:40 am | 10:40 am-11:40 am | 11:45 am-2:05 pm |
ELA Unit 1 – 110 minutes | Lunch (30 min) Recess (30 min) | ELA Unit 2 – 110 minutes |
ALL GRADES | ALL GRADES | ALL GRADES |
April 10, 2024 | April 10, 2024 | April 10, 2024 |
8:20-10:40 am | 10:40 am-11:40 am | 11:45 am-1:20 pm |
ELA Unit 3 – 110 minutes | Lunch (30 min) Recess (30 min) | Math Unit 1 – 65 minutes |
ALL GRADES | ALL GRADES | ALL GRADES |
April 11, 2024 | April 11, 2024 | April 11, 2024 |
8:20-9:55 am | 10:00 am-11:00 am | 11:05 am-12:40 pm |
Math Unit 2 – 65 minutes | Lunch (30 min) Recess (30 min) | Math Unit 3 – 65 minutes |
Purpose and Value of State Assessments
CMAS and PSAT/SAT are the only common assessments for Colorado students that measure real-world skills like problem-solving and critical thinking. Because the assessments are aligned with the college and career readiness standards that are taught in our classrooms, facilitators do not have to “teach to the test.” Instead, good instruction based on the standards will be the best preparation for learners.
In the Cherry Creek School District, results from the state assessments are combined with local assessments and other learner information to create a full picture of your learner’s learning experience in our schools. This helps parents and educators answer important questions such as:
- Did your learner meet the expectations at their grade level to be on track for the next level of learning?
- Does your learner need additional services and/or support?
- How well did your learner perform compared to other learners across the state?
- How well did your school do overall in meeting performance and growth goals throughout the year?
To ensure your learner has the best experience on test day, please make sure your child is well-rested and has a good breakfast.
For more information about state testing in Colorado, click HERE.