CMAS PARCC Scorecard - How to Support Your Student

Using the NEW PARCC Score Report to Support your Student's Academic Success

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Overview

Colorado schools transitioned to new Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) assessments in science and social studies in 2014, and in English language arts and math in 2014. These assessments align with the Colorado Academic Standards and measure complex skills like critical-thinking and problem solving – skills that were not fully measured on previous tests. Scores on these tests may look different than in the past, but that does not mean students are learning less.  It means the tests have changed and are asking students to meet a higher bar. A score report is created for each student who takes a Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) test.  This year’s CMAS score reports feature information that will help parents better understand how well their child is meeting the expectations of the Colorado Academic Standards and if their child is on track for college or career after graduation.  

Things to Remember

• These tests are aligned to the Colorado Academic Standards, which provide a clear roadmap to help all students graduate ready for college and career.
• These tests are given at the end of the year, and are just one indicator that can be used along with report cards, classroom performance and teacher feedback to provide a complete picture of your student’s progress.
• The tests are harder than past tests because the Colorado Academic Standards raise the bar. The tests measure the skills students really need today – such as the ability to think critically and solve complex problems.
• With change comes some growing pains, and your student’s test scores may be lower than what you saw with previous tests. A drop in scores should not be interpreted as a failure. Instead, see this as an opportunity to take early steps to help your student prepare for college or career.  Having this information early – before a student takes a college entrance exam – gives parents and teachers time to better prepare students for college and jobs after high school.

How Can I Support My Child?

1. Work with your student’s teacher to identify strategies to enrich your child’s education where he or she is already meeting or exceeding grade-level expectations. Likewise, your student’s teacher can help identify resources to improve your student’s performance where needed. Tutoring, after-school programs or at-home activities may be available to help students practice their skills.
2. Assure your student that test scores are only one indicator of progress.
3. Determine which skills to reinforce at home. The detailed breakdowns of specific skills on your student’s score report serve as a great starting point for identifying areas that need improvement.
4. Access more information about the Colorado Academic Standards and aligned assessments including a parent guide to understanding the new score reports and Frequently Asked Questions at: www.cde.state.co.us/communications/resourcesforparents