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Daniel C. Oakes High School

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State Mandated Testing

State Assessments and Testing Information

At DCSD, we want families to have clear information about the assessments students may take during the school year. State assessments provide information about student learning and help schools, districts, and the state understand how students are progressing toward Colorado's academic standards.

Why Does My Child Take State Assessments?

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

  • How students are progressing toward Colorado Academic Standards
  • Areas of academic strength and areas for continued growth
  • Student 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 Calendar, Schedules, and Board Policy

Assessment dates vary by grade level and assessment.

Colorado State Assessments

  • CMAS (11th Grade Science)

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

    • Grades/Subject assessed:

      • Grade 11 - Science

    • Beginning in Spring 2027, Colorado's state assessments are administered online.  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.

      • Grade 11 - Science

  • PSAT8/9, PSAT 10, and SAT 11 (list appropriate grades for your school)

    • Colorado public school students participate in the College Board assessments as part of the state's assessment system.

      • Grade 9: PSAT 8/9

      • Grade 10: PSAT 10

      • Grade 11: SAT

    • The PSAT and SAT are administered digitally. The optional SAT essay is no longer part of Colorado's state administration beginning with Spring 2027.

Parents and Guardians May Excuse Their Student

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

Questions?

If you have questions about state assessments, testing accommodations, or the assessment excusal process, please contact your school's School Assessment Coordinator (SAC), Mark Harmon PLS/GT at mharmon@dcsdk12.org.