Assessments
We use multiple assessments to review student progress. These assessments are used to diagnose learning gaps, provide a "snapshot" of student learning, and provide staff with information needed in order to improve instruction or recommend support services.
Formal and informal methods of assessment are utilized across our district. We strive to maintain a balance for students and staff while still complying with various legislation.
If you have questions about any of the assessments, please contact Amy Heinsma, Director of Instruction, at (970) 686-8028.
Assessment Calendar
View the 2022 - 2023 Assessment Dates
CMAS (Colorado Measures of Academic Success)
What's Tested? English Language Arts and Math
Grades: 3 - 8; All Students
Estimated Time: 8 - 10 hours depending on grade
When Given: April
Purpose: Federal and State Requirement
How Are Results Used? District and School Accountability, considered with other information to determine student needs
CMAS (Colorado Measures of Academic Success)
What's Tested? Science
Grades: 5, 8, 11
Estimated Time: 3 hours
When Given: April
Purpose: Federal and State Requirement
How Are Results Used? District and School Accountability, Program evaluation
CMAS (Colorado Measures of Academic Success)
What's Tested? Social Studies
Grades: 4, 7, 11 (1/3 of schools in the state are sampled each year)
Estimated Time: 3 hours
When Given: April
Purpose: State Requirement
How Are Results Used? District and School Accountability, Program evaluation
STAR 360
What's Tested? Reading and Math
Grades: K - 9
Estimated Time: 3 hours
When Given: August, January, April / May
Purpose: Board of Education Policy IKA
How Are Results Used? Early warning system for students to diagnose progress and issues
ACCESS
What's Tested? English Language Proficiency for students who are English Language Learners
Grades: All
Estimated Time: 3 hours
When Given: January 10 - February 11
Purpose: Federal and State Requirement
How Are Results Used? Determine needs of students who are English Language Learners
*Students may also take a screening assessment to determine English Language Services called the WAPT or WIDA Screener. Screeners take between 15 minutes to an hour.
CoAlt / DLM
What's Tested? Alternative test for students with severe needs
Grades: 3 - 11
Estimated Time: 1 - 1.5 hours
When Given: April
Purpose: Federal and State Requirement
How Are Results Used? Determination of student proficiency on alternate standards
SAT
What's Tested? College readiness assessment
Grades: 11
Estimated Time: 3 - 4 hours
When Given: April
Purpose: Federal and State
How Are Results Used? College readiness
PSAT
What's Tested? Reading, Writing, Math
Grades: 9 - 10
Estimated Time: 3 hours
When Given: April
Purpose: State Requirement
How Are Results Used? Prediction of SAT
Cog (Cognitive Abilities Test)
What's Tested? Assess student abilities in reasoning and problem solving using verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal (spatial) symbols
Grades: 2
Estimated Time: 2 hours in 3 sessions
When Given: January - April
Purpose: Board of Education Policy IKA
How Are Results Used? District screening as part of identification of gifted and talented students
Teaching GOLD
What's Tested? Authentic, ongoing observational assessment that addresses the whole child
Grades: PK - K
Estimated Time: Ongoing during the year for preschool, August - October for kindergarten
When Given: January - April
How Are Results Used? Feedback for parents and teachers on whole-child development
NNAT2 (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test)
What's Tested? General ability using picture puzzles
Grades: New students and gifted education referrals in 6th grade
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
When Given: September / October or when new students enter
Purpose: Board of Education Policy IKA
How Are Results Used? District screening as part of identification of gifted and talented students
NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress)
What's Tested? Math, Reading, Writing, Civics, Geography, and U.S. History depending on group and grade selected
Grades: Representative sample in sampled school(s) selected each year by the Colorado Department of Education
Estimated Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
When Given: TBD
How Are Results Used? To determine general performance over time of nation’s students (also known as Nation’s Report Card)