I teach in Texas but am considering a move to Colorado for various reasons. My administration is cautioning me that the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) is particularly challenging, negatively impacting students’ performance and potentially affecting salary increases, unlike the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) which they claim is easier. Can anyone share experiences or insights regarding this?
Indeed, CMAS is challenging. At my school, significant time is dedicated to preparing for the math and science components of CMAS, even though I don’t teach those subjects. We focus heavily on enhancing reading and writing skills that align with CMAS. I don’t know how it compares to other states, but at least in my district, raises are not linked to CMAS scores. If performance is unsatisfactory, they might not renew your contract rather than withhold raises.
@Barbara1
We’re currently analyzing CMAS released items in our Professional Learning Communities, and the standards expected of students are incredibly high. Many students struggle with tasks like typing out solutions for multi-step equations, a skill they haven’t practiced sufficiently. Also, a significant portion of the CMAS score involves reasoning and modeling, which requires strong reading and writing skills. The difficulty is reflected in the scoring, where very few students achieve the top marks.
Colorado is ranked significantly higher than Texas in terms of K-12 education quality. I would be skeptical of advice from those who might prefer you to stay put for their benefit.
It could be useful to connect with teachers in Colorado to get firsthand accounts of how the CMAS impacts their professional lives.
During my college studies, we analyzed various state-standardized tests. STAAR was noted as one of the easiest. Generally, the influence of standardized tests on salaries is diminishing across most states.
Lily said:
@Travis
Which test was found to be the most complex?
I don’t recall all the details, as the study didn’t cover every state. It’s worth noting that testing standards can change, so it’s possible STAAR has evolved since then.
Remember, Colorado generally places a higher value on educational outcomes than Texas, likely translating into greater community and systemic support for educators.
Having taught in both Texas and Colorado, I can say that CMAS scores did not influence my salary increases in Colorado. Feel free to reach out directly with more specific questions.
Alex said:
Having taught in both Texas and Colorado, I can say that CMAS scores did not influence my salary increases in Colorado. Feel free to reach out directly with more specific questions.
Thanks for the insight! Were there notable differences in the standards between CMAS and STAAR, or is it more about the level of support provided? We often hear complaints about STAAR, and I’m curious what to expect with CMAS.
@Samuel3
At the high school level, CMAS isn’t mandatory. Students can use their SAT scores to meet competency requirements, with the SAT being widely administered across the state.
This disparity highlights why a national standardized test could be beneficial.
It’s interesting that your administration would highlight the difficulty of CMAS, given that STAAR often includes prompts and questions that exceed grade-level expectations. My experience since moving to Washington has been positive, with less emphasis on testing and more on actual learning.
In Colorado, very few districts still tie teacher compensation directly to CMAS results. The test itself is rigorous because it aims to meet high educational standards. Many schools successfully prepare their students for CMAS by aligning their curriculum closely with state standards.
Ultimately, the impact of standardized testing on professional evaluations is less about absolute scores and more about year-over-year improvement relative to similar institutions.
When deciding where to teach, I considered multiple states. I found the Texas tests to be the easiest compared to others like the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or Praxis. Standards may vary, but rigorous testing isn’t unique to Colorado.
@LyamGenesis
It’s important to differentiate between tests for students and those for teacher certification. Also, the difficulty of credential tests can vary significantly by state and subject matter.
@Lenox
Indeed, my experiences are dated, and testing standards have likely evolved. It’s fascinating to see how different states prioritize educational assessments.