Students at Windsor Charter Academy will be taking their Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) tests in April! CMAS tests are meaningful and relevant assessments that support rigorous academic standards. The state’s summative tests measure students’ mastery of grade-level standards and growth over time. In addition, these assessments measure students’ critical thinking skills that are needed to be successful in school and in life.
Standardized test scores are frequently used to determine placement in advanced courses/programs and to identify instructional needs of students. COVID-19 has directly impacted student learning in a variety of ways. It is now more important than ever for WCA to assess students’ progress towards mastery of grade-level standards. All testing data will help inform teachers as they work with students to prepare them for the next school year.
We recently received some important news about how we will administer the state CMAS assessments this spring. Given the challenges created by COVID, the state legislature and U.S. Department of Education have reduced the number of tests required to just one test for students in either English language arts (ELA) or math and two tests for eighth graders (math and science). Students in high school will take the PSAT or SAT. Tests will be given as follows:
ELA tests: Grades 3,5,7
Math tests: Grades 4,6,8
Science tests: Grade 8
PSAT: Grades 9 and 10
SAT: Grade 11
While only one test in ELA or math is required, Windsor Charter Academy parents of students in grades 3-8 can choose to have their child take both the ELA and math tests by opting their child in for a second test. If you would like to opt your child in for the additional CMAS assessment, please complete this CMAS Assessment Opt In Parent Form by April 7th. Parents can learn more about test time/duration here.
Student’s individual score reports are expected to be available in August. Consistent with typical years, state level results are expected to be announced by the Colorado Department of Education at that time.
Middle School: April 13th - April 22nd
**Please note that some dates listed below differ from the dates sent out in the original save-the-date email.
To ensure students take each test, please make every effort to schedule appointments outside of these testing windows.
6th Grade
Math: April 13th, 14th, and 15th from 8:15 a.m. to 10:35 a.m.
Opt-In Only for ELA: April 20th, 21st, and 22nd from 1:10 p.m. to 3:05 p.m.
7th Grade
ELA: April 13th, 14th, and 15th from 8:15 a.m. to 10:35 a.m.
Opt-In Only for Math: April 20th, 21st, and 22nd from 1:10 p.m. to 3:05 p.m.
8th Grade:
Math: April 13th, 14th, and 15th from 8:15 a.m. to 10:35 a.m.
Science: April 16th from 8:15 to 11:20 a.m. and 11:45 to 1:20 p.m.
Opt-In Only for ELA: April 20th, 21st, and 22nd from 1:10 p.m. to 3:05 p.m.
For questions, please reach out to Valerie Perciante, Middle School Assistant Principal.