Understanding CMAS Results

In August, scores were released for the CMAS exams (Colorado Measures of Academic Success) in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math. The exams assess student proficiency in meeting grade-level standards set by the state. They are aligned to the Common Core national standards.

Percent Proficient represents the percentage of students who meet or exceed state proficiency standards in the content area.

Growth is the Median Growth Percentile (MGP). Fifty percent represents one year’s growth. It is calculated by ordering individual student growth percentiles from lowest to highest and identifying a middle score, which is the median. A median score below 50 percent indicates more than half the students have not achieved a year’s growth. A median score above 50 percent indicates more than half the students have achieved a year’s growth.

*Scores represent averages of grades 3–5 for elementary and grades 6–8 for middle schools. Score categories with fewer than 16 students represented are not reported by the Colorado Department of Education.

Sources: Colorado Dept of Education; Chalkbeat.org