State-Mandated Testing
CMAS (Colorado Measures of Academic Success) & CoAlt
CMAS and CoAlt are assessments mandated by the Colorado Department of Education. CMAS is administered to our 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. All students in grades 3 through 6 take the Math and English Language Arts assessments. Additionally, 5th graders take a Science assessment. There will not be a Social Studies CMAS test during the 2025–2026 school year.
2025–2026 School Year Testing Window
Typically, testing takes place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings. Third, fourth, and sixth graders have six tests (three English Language Arts and three Math), while fifth graders have nine tests (three English Language Arts, three Math, and three Science).
Parents, please be aware of these dates and try to schedule trips, appointments, etc., around them as much as possible.
2025–2026 Testing Information
There is no more paper-pencil testing (except for accommodations) starting in spring 2026. Students must have a neurological disorder (such as recent concussion), a condition that causes seizures, or another health condition that prevents the student from accessing the computer in order to be considered for approval for paper-pencil testing. Accommodations that may require paper-pencil testing could include:
- Braille/Large Print
- Adaptive equipment is not compatible
- Students with disabilities that prevent them from utilizing devices safely may meet this criterion
If you are a parent/guardian requesting a paper/pencil version, and you believe that your student meets the criteria here, please email Meghan Cutsforth at mcutsforth@dcsdk12.org by December 1, 2025.
2025–2026 Spring State Testing Information
- Coyote Creek Elementary State Testing Schedule
- CMAS English Language Arts: April 7 - 9, 2026
- CMAS Math: April 14 - 16, 2026
- CMAS Science (5th Grade Only): April 20 - 22, 2026
- CoAlt (Alternative Assessment): April 7 - April 21, 2026