Skip To Main Content

Assessments

Assessments in Adams 14

At Adams 14, our commitment is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to grow, learn, and demonstrate achievement. This page provides an overview of the assessments used district-wide, both to monitor student learning and to meet state and federal accountability requirements.

Below you'll find information about four major assessment categories:

1- Formative (Curriculum-based and Benchmark)

2- Summative (State & National tests): CMAS, PSAT, SAT, NAEP

3- Gifted & Talented (GT)

4- ACCESS ( English learner proficiency)

Summative Assessments (3-11)

Purpose

Summative assessments provide a “snapshot” of student learning at the end of an instructional period and serve multiple roles:

  • Measuring student performance relative to state standards;
  • Helping schools and districts monitor overall achievement and growth;
  • Providing accountability data for the school district, state, and federal stakeholders;
  • Offering students information about college and career readiness.

Key Assessments

  • CMAS/CoAlt (Colorado Measures of Academic Success): Administered in grades 3-8 and grade 11 for English language arts, mathematics and science.
  • PSAT/NMSQT & PSAT 10: For high school students (typically grades 10 and 11) to gain practice with the SAT and qualify for National Merit recognition.
  • SAT: College-admissions standardized test administered to high school juniors (or other grades as determined by the district).

Schedule & Administration

  • CMAS/ CoAlt: Administered each spring according to Colorado Department of Education timelines.
  • PSAT/NMSQT & PSAT 10: Typically administered in the fall (or other designated date) at each high school.
  • SAT: Dates vary; administered at designated high school sites, often in the spring of grade 11.
    (Exact dates and registration instructions will be published each school year.)

Results & Reporting 

  • Students receive score reports that may include performance levels, growth over prior years, and comparisons to state averages.
  • Schools and the district analyze aggregated data to identify strengths, gaps, and professional development needs.
  • Families are provided information on how to interpret their student’s scores and how to support next-step learning.

How Students & Families Can Prepare? 

  • Familiarize yourself with the format of each test (sample questions, timing, etc.).
  • Review prior formative assessment results—what are your growth areas?
  • Use targeted practice (e.g., academic vocabulary, problem-solving strategies, time management).
  • On test day: arrive on time, get a good night’s sleep, and come ready to focus.

Gifted & Talented Identification (2nd, 6th)

Purpose

Within A14, the Gifted & Talented (GT) program supports learners who demonstrate high performance capability in areas such as intellectual ability, creativity, leadership, and specific academic fields. Assessments help identify students for GT services and monitor their progress.

Identification Process & Assessments 

  • Referral: Students may be referred by teachers, parents/guardians, or through self-nomination.
  • Screening assessments: These may include cognitive ability tests, academic achievement tests, creativity measures, and teacher/parent checklists.
  • Qualitative data: Portfolios, student work samples, and teacher ratings are also considered.
  • Placement decisions: A multi-score approach is used—no single measure determines eligibility.

Progress Monitoring & Services 

  • Once identified, GT students receive differentiated instruction, acceleration opportunities, or enriched projects.
  • Services are reviewed annually through progress assessments (e.g., performance tasks, interest inventories, surveys) to ensure appropriate challenge and growth.
  • Families and students receive regular updates on goals and outcomes.

How Families Can Participate? 

  • Complete referral forms if you believe your child may qualify for GT services.
  • Review the GT handbook and timelines with your school’s GT coordinator.
  • Attend parent-information sessions to learn about services, expectations, and how to support GT learners at home.
  • Encourage your child to engage in extension opportunities (e.g., independent research, advanced coursework, competitions).

ACCESS for ELLs® & English Proficiency Assessments (K-12)

Purpose

The ACCESS for ELLs assessment measures the English language proficiency of students whose home language is not English. At A14, it ensures that English Learners (ELs) are appropriately supported in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Administration & Schedule 

  • Typically administered annually in the winter/spring.
  • Students identified as English Learners (via home‐language survey and initial screening) participate unless exempted by state guidelines.
  • Score reports indicate proficiency levels and assist with placement in language services.

Reporting & Support 

  • Results are used to determine continued eligibility for EL services, students’ progress toward proficiency, and potential exit from EL programs.
  • Schools provide families with score summaries and explanations of what the scores mean.
  • Schools and the district use data to plan targeted language support programs and professional learning for staff.

Preparing Students & Families 

  • Encourage regular school attendance and engagement in both classroom and language-support settings.
  • Support your student’s development in English by reading, writing, talking about schoolwork at home, and accessing bilingual materials if available.
  • Ask your school about individual goals and how you can support your learner’s English-language growth at home.

Pre K and Kindergarten students are required to participate in Kindergarten School Readiness assessments. Adams 14 administers this assessment through TS Gold. If you have questions about how your student is being assessed or the results of their assessments, please reach out to your student’s school administrator.

Throughout the year, select secondary students may engage in other assessment opportunities like Workkeys, Advanced Placement, or other assessments specific to their academy or CTE program. Please contact your student’s school administrator for more information.

Adams 14 Assessment Calendar (SY 26)
The Colorado Department of Education’s page for families regarding information about assessments can be found here.

Spring 2026 Important dates (Colorado Department of Education).

Director of Assessment: Jamahl Peake, jpeake@adams14.org