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
CMAS Testing
The Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) assessments measure student progress toward Colorado's academic standards.
At Cresthill:
- 6th grade students take CMAS assessments in English Language Arts and Mathematics.
- 7th grade students take CMAS assessments in Social Studies, English Language Arts and Mathematics.
- 8th grade students take CMAS assessments in English Language Arts, Mathematics and Science.
Testing Schedule
Cresthill's testing schedule will be posted here when available. Please note that testing dates and times are subject to change.
Families can also view the districtwide assessment calendar and additional testing information through the Douglas County School District.
What Families Should Know
To help students have a successful testing experience, families are encouraged to:
- Make sure students arrive at school on time
- Avoid scheduling appointments during testing periods whenever possible
- Encourage students to get a good night's sleep
- Make sure students eat breakfast before testing
- Remind students to bring their fully charged device, if requested by the school
Additional information and reminders will be shared with families before testing begins.
CoAlt
CoAlt is Colorado's alternate assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities who meet the eligibility requirements for an alternate assessment.
CoAlt is individually administered, and testing time varies depending on the student's needs and responses.
Grades/Subject assessed:
Grade 6 - ELA and Math
Grade 7 - ELA, Math, Social Studies (all schools)
Grade 8 - ELA and Math
State Testing Excusal
Colorado law allows parents and guardians to excuse their student from state assessments. Families considering excusal are encouraged to review the available information about state assessments and the excusal process before making a decision.
Families who choose to excuse their student from testing must complete the State Testing Excusal process through the DCSD EngagED Parent Portal.
Important: During designated testing periods, Cresthill may not be able to provide an alternative instructional setting for students who have been excused from testing. Families will receive specific information about attendance and scheduling before the testing window.
Assessment Accommodations
Students with qualifying accommodations documented through an IEP or Section 504 Plan will receive appropriate testing accommodations in accordance with state and district requirements.
Families with questions about their student's accommodations should contact their student's case manager or Cresthill's School Assessment Coordinator.
Testing Resources
- CMAS Parent FAQ and Assessment Information
- DCSD Assessment Schedule
- DCSD Assessment Policy
- State Testing Excusal Instructions
Questions?
For questions about state testing at Cresthill, contact:
Sara Delozier
Dean of Students & School Assessment Coordinator
sdelozier@dcsdk12.org
303-387-2807
For assistance accessing the Parent Portal, contact the Cresthill main office at 303-387-2800.