State Mandated Testing
As part of a balanced assessment system, state assessments provide valuable information to students, families, schools, districts, the state and taxpayers. A balanced assessment system is one that contains formative assessments (quick checks for learning conducted by teachers through their class), interim assessments (more formal progress monitoring often conducted several times throughout the year to see how students are progressing), and summative assessments (end of course/unit, end of year assessments to find out what student know and can do).
The state assessments are summative assessments. While formative, interim, and classroom-based summative assessments inform classroom instruction on a regular basis, state summative assessments are designed to be point in time snapshots of what students know and can do in core content areas.
The assessment results are used by: parents/families to gauge student progress over time; teachers to inform and improve classroom practice and student placement; and by schools/districts to inform program, school, and district improvement. The results are also the backbone of the state's accountability system. They are used to populate the annual school and district performance frameworks which result in accreditation ratings for each school and district.
The results can also be used for teacher evaluation purposes as one of the multiple measures required under S.B. 10-191.
The state assessments are summative assessments. While formative, interim, and classroom-based summative assessments inform classroom instruction on a regular basis, state summative assessments are designed to be point in time snapshots of what students know and can do in core content areas.
The assessment results are used by: parents/families to gauge student progress over time; teachers to inform and improve classroom practice and student placement; and by schools/districts to inform program, school, and district improvement. The results are also the backbone of the state's accountability system. They are used to populate the annual school and district performance frameworks which result in accreditation ratings for each school and district.
The results can also be used for teacher evaluation purposes as one of the multiple measures required under S.B. 10-191.
State Mandated Testing 2025
- 25-26 District Assessment Dates
- RVMS Testing Schedule
- DCSD Board Policy IK: State Mandated Assessments
- State Assessment Excusal Form Walkthrough Parent/Guardian
- HB15-1323
- CMAS Parent Frequently Asked Questions
Students who qualify for the paper-based assessment must have:
- an active IEP/504 plan
- a documented disability that directly impacts their access to computerized technology and therefore prevents their access to the digital assessment
- e.g., epilepsy, other seizure disorder, neurological disorder that prevents access computerized technology, etc.
HB 25-1278
If you are a parent/guardian requesting a paper version of the assessment - please email our SAC Coordinator, Erin Isley at ecisley@dcsdk12.org by December 2.