Colorado Department of Education to Shorten CMAS Testing for Students in Grades 3-8
The Colorado Department of Education is reducing the duration of state assessments, known as CMAS tests, for students in grades three through eight starting in Spring 2027. This measure will shorten the number of testing sessions for subjects like math…
Colorado Springs Pueblo, CO, November 3, 2026 — The Colorado Department of Education has announced a significant change to its statewide assessment program, CMAS (Colorado Measures of Academic Success). Beginning in Spring 2027, the duration of these tests will be reduced for students in grades three through eight.
The initiative aims to streamline the testing process and reallocate valuable instructional time back to the classroom. Specifically, the number of testing sessions for core subjects such as mathematics and science will be shortened. This adjustment is intended to simplify scheduling for schools and educators, allowing them to better focus on teaching and learning.
The Colorado Department of Education has stated that the goal of this change is to make the assessment experience more efficient for students and staff. By reducing the time spent on standardized testing, the department hopes to place a greater emphasis on regular classroom instruction and curriculum delivery.
The full impact and specific details regarding the revised testing schedules and content coverage for the shortened assessments are expected to be further elaborated by the department as the Spring 2027 implementation date approaches.
Story summarized from the original created by Sam O’Neal on gazette.com, see more information here.
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