The U.S. Department of Education approved most of Colorado’s plans to amend standardized testing this year, meaning most students will only be tested in one subject.
Schools and districts are now required to administer Colorado Measures of Academic Success, or CMAS, assessments in English language arts to students in 3rd, 5th and 7th grade, according to an announcement from the state Department of Education. Assessments in math are required for students in 4th, 6th and 8th grade.
Federal officials did not approve the state’s ask to cancel all science assessments, instead requiring them for 8th-graders while waving them for 5th and 11th-graders. Social studies tests, which are only mandated by state law, will not be given this year, the announcement said.
“In the spirit of collaboration, Colorado educators, school districts, advocacy organizations, legislators, and the department of education came together to create a solution that serves students, and provides some relief after a challenging academic year,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement.
The changes to standardized testing come as a result of a bill passed through the Colorado legislature earlier this month. Education officials are now preparing a waiver request to pause federal accountability requirements for another year, which they expect to submit in April.
