Test Information 2023-24

Each year, we gather information on student performance through a variety of assessments. These vary by grade level and by type of test. Assessment results are used to monitor student progress, measure teacher and school performance, and to inform instruction, intervention, and as part of a body of evidence when identifying students for additional services.

Students in grades K-2: Although these students do not participate in CMAS at the end of the year, their progress in reading and math are monitored throughout the year, including the STAR reading assessment.

Students in grades 3-8: 

• NWEA MAPS tests are a flexible assessment given in reading, math, and language use up to three times annually. Student performance and growth are both scored. 

• CMAS: students in these grade levels will complete the end-of-year state test in English Language Arts and Math. Some grade levels also complete a Science test (5 and 8). 

  • ELA Unit testing time: 90-110 minutes (there are 3 units)

  • Math Unit testing time: 65 minutes (there are 3 units)

  • Elementary/Middle School Science Unit testing time: 80 minutes (there are 3 units)

  • All units are completed online unless a student requires a special accommodation for paper testing.

Students in grades 9-10: 9th grade students also participate in NWEA MAPS tests up to three times per year to monitor progress. Additionally, 9th and 10th grade students take the PSAT9/PSAT10 respectively. In the fall, 9th and 10th grade students may be offered a practice opportunity with the PSAT 9 or PSAT/NMSQT respectively.

Students in grade 11: 11th grade students take the PSAT/NMSQT- National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (Fall), SAT (Spring) and CMAS: Science (Spring). Additionally, students may take the ASVAB as one of the graduation qualifying tests. 

• CMAS Science unit testing time: 60 minutes (there are 2 units)

Students who speak a language other than English at home may be administered the WIDA assessment around January/February.

Questions about testing? Please contact Janessa Torrey, District Assessment Coordinator at jtorrey@ridgway.k12.co.us.

• Primary Testing Dates (Elementary): April 16-18

• Primary Testing Dates (Middle School w/8 Grade Science): April 10-12

• 5th Grade Science Testing Date: April 11 and 12

• 11th Grade Science Testing Date: April 19

• Make-up Testing: April 22-26 (TBD)

• What should I bring? Two sharpened pencils, a water bottle, and a reading book. Calculators will be provided if needed.

CMAS Testing Practice  

Do you have testing anxiety?   You may want to check out these resources:  

• https://download.pearsonaccessnext.com/co/co-practicetest.html?links=1 

• https://coassessments.com/test-prep/

This link is helpful for students to visit so they get used to seeing the questions, how they are worded and how they are set up within the test.

PSAT (Grades 9-10):

• Testing Dates: April 17 (10th grade); April 18 (9th grade)

• Make-up Testing: April 22-26 (TBD)

SAT (Grade 11):

• Testing Date: April 16

• Make-up Testing: April 22-26 (TBD)

SAT/PSAT FAQ and Resources

Are you a full time student?   Are you a part time student, and part time homeschool student?   DON'T WORRY!!   The district registers you for the test and pays for it.   

"What about the optional essay?" you may ask.   There will be information provided, and you will need to be signed up by the deadline.  While this is not a "must do", it may be worth doing if you are planning on going to a college that will look at it.   

FULL TIME HOMESCHOOL STUDENTS: If you are a full time homeschool student, you need to register yourself, and unfortunately the cost is your responsibility.  

SAT/PSAT practice test questions:   Do you have testing anxiety? Check out the practice questions!  https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sample-questions 

It is also highly recommended that students sign up for and use the Khan Academy test prep. It is free and aligned with the actual SAT questions. They collaborate directly with the College Board, makers of the SAT and PSAT:  https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat

More Helpful information regarding the SAT/PSAT:

The SAT and related PSAT tests have gone digital this year! All students will test on school-issued computers on test day. However, practice tests can be accessed any time via the bluebook app which can be downloaded from the College Board website. 

The SAT is now broken up into two sections consisting of four total tests and an optional fifth section, the SAT Essay. The total time for the SAT is 134 minutes, not including breaks, and the SAT Essay is 50 minutes. Each section is multi-stage adaptive. Students will answer questions in the first module which will affect the presentation of questions in the second module for each section. 

• Reading and Writing: 64 minute section with 54 questions (about 1.19 minutes per question)

• Math – Calculator: 70 minute section with 44 questions (about 1.59 minutes per question)

• Essay (optional): 50 minutes, one essay

There is one break built into the SAT/PSAT schedule. The 10-minute break is between the Reading and Writing Test and the Math test. Students with an approved accommodation for extended time may have additional breaks built in.

The digital test posts the timer at the top of the page. Students can hide the timer until there are 5 minutes left when the timer will reappear. All students must sit for the entire test time and may use any additional time to check their answers in the current module.

Absolutely not! Please leave all devices (smart watches included) in your locker or at home. Unfortunately, if you use your phone or other device (that has not been pre-approved), your test will be marked as void and you will have to retake the test on your own time and at your own expense. Electronic devices will be collected before testing and  may not be accessed until after all students have completed the entire test.

Special Accommodations – Students with specific needs due to medical conditions or other circumstances may request either extended or more frequent breaks or extra testing time for each section ahead of the test date. Coordinate with the assessment coordinator if you think you qualify.

Access more information on the college board website , so there won't be any surprises to delay you or your fellow test takers. Don’t forget to bring a valid ID, No. 2 pencils, and an acceptable calculator (a digital calculator is built into the test), use our test day checklist as a reminder of everything you need. And remember, the proctor will hold your electronic devices until the test is over.

NWEA MAPs testing is given 3 times a year, grades 3-8.  You can find out more about these tests at:https://www.nwea.org/the-map-suite/family-toolkit/