CMAS - What are they, and why do they matter?

Oct 2, 2026

Uploaded by Aria

Explains what the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) are and why they matter in Colorado’s updated education system. Describes the 2009 introduction of more rigorous Colorado Academic Standards, the focus on rigor, critical thinking, and real-world application across major subjects, and how CMAS tests measure progress in English language arts, math, science, and social studies. Covers how results support students, parents, schools, and districts and notes participation policies and the April 11–29 testing window.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

The beginnings

The assessment

Why a student should take the CMAS

When is it?

The CMAS: What are they, and why do they matter? The beginnings In 2009, Colorado implemented new, more rigorous academic standards after research showed too many high school students were graduating without the problem-solving and critical thinking skills they need to succeed in college and the workforce. The new Colorado Academic Standards set guidelines for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level across 10 subject areas, including English language arts (ELA), math, science and social studies. The new standards are different in a number of ways, but place a heavy emphasis on rigor and critical thinking, relevancy and application of skills to the real world, and a strong understanding and ability to communicate understanding in each subject area. The assessment To go along with the new standards, the state also implemented new tests, called the Colorado Measures of Academic Success. As suggested by the name, the tests are a way to measure students’ progress in English language arts, math, science and social studies. Designed tobe administered online, the tests include a variety of interactive questions that are more engaging and aligned with 21st century teaching and learning practices. So, why should my student take the CMAS? Participation in CMAS is important because results help students, parents, schools and districts understand whether students have mastered the content they need to know by the end of the school year. At the same time, parents have a right to control their children’s education. A new state law requires local school boards to develop a policy allowing parents to excuse their students from participating in one or more state assessments. Schools and districts will use CMAS results to help improve instruction and to better support students who need more help mastering the standards. Parents can use CMAS scores to see how their students and schools are doing compared to other students and schools across the district, the state and the nation. ** Information and tables courtesy of the Colorado Department of Education. For more information, visit www.cde.state.co.us/ communications/tools. CMAS testing this school year will take place from April 11–29. But if a district doesn’t have enough computers, testing can begin one to three weeks early. When is it?

FAQs

What problem led Colorado to create new academic standards in 2009?

Colorado implemented new, more rigorous academic standards in 2009 after research showed too many high school students were graduating without the problem-solving and critical thinking skills needed for college and the workforce.

What subjects and skills do the CMAS tests measure?

CMAS tests are designed to measure students’ progress in English language arts, math, science, and social studies, using interactive questions aligned with 21st-century teaching and learning practices.

How do CMAS results help students, parents, schools, and districts?

Results help them understand whether students have mastered required content by the end of the school year. Schools and districts use the data to improve instruction and support students who need more help, while parents can compare performance across the district, state, and nation.

Oct 2, 2026

Uploaded by Aria