The Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) is Colorado’s standards-based assessment designed to measure the Colorado Academic Standards (CAS). A very small number of students with significant cognitive disabilities may take the Colorado Alternate (CoAlt) assessment based on the Extended Evidence Outcomes of the CAS.
The CMAS and CoAlt assessments are collaboratively developed by the Colorado Department of Education, the Colorado educator community, and Colorado’s assessment contractor, Pearson. Assessment results data should be used to keep abreast of individual student, school, and district progress toward attaining higher student achievement levels.
| Content Area* | Grades | Window |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 3 through 8 |
Official Window: April 7 through 25, 2025 Early Grade 11 Science Window Option: March 31 through April 18, 2025 |
| English Language Arts (including CSLA) | 3 through 8 | |
| Science | 5, 8, and 11 | |
| Social Studies (selected schools only) | 4 and 7 |
* CoAlt math and ELA assessments are administered through Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Kite Educator Portal. To the extent possible, assess students taking the alternate assessment in a content area for which they are participating in a general education class at the same time as their general education peers to avoid missed instruction. Schools may also ensure students taking the alternate assessment do not miss instruction from their general education class(es) through other means.
Districts that desire flexibility for testing start and/or end dates must contact CDE Assessment to discuss options upon completion of CMAS Administration Training for DACs.
Districts must inform CDE by December 15, 2024 if an early grade 11 science window will be used (notification provided to CDE through the District Testing Information and Format Selections Form distributed to official DACs upon completion of the Spring 2025 CMAS Administration Training for DACs).
PearsonAccessnext
PearsonAccessnext serves as the entry point to the assessment management system used by schools and districts participating in CMAS (all content areas) and CoAlt (science).
Technology Setup
Prepare your system for computer-based assessments. Access technical guidelines, user guides, and TestNav.
Manuals & Training
Manuals are used to assist in planning, administering, and completing the assessments; they contain administration procedures, policies, and scripts.
Training Resources are available and can be used to supplement information found in the Procedures Manual and the Test Administrator Manuals.
Practice Resources
Access computer and paper based practice resources, scoring guides, and rubrics.
Data Resources
Access data file layouts, report interpretation guides, and Spanish report shells.
Parents & Guardians
Access resources for parents and guardians including information on student performance reports.