This information is provided to inform parents and students of assessment practices that are used in addition to classroom or unit tests given by individual teachers. Grade level or school-wide assessments are administered throughout the school year to measure progress toward achieving content proficiency and to identify areas of strength and challenge at the student, school, and district level. These measurements allow CMCSS to provide instruction tailored to the needs of the individual student while meeting the standards set by the Tennessee Department of Education.
Assessment Results
CMCSS will communicate to families the receipt of State Assessment results and reports through ParentSquare communication platform. The information will include the timeline for reports to be sent home as well as how to access the TN Department of Education TCAP Family Portal for on-demand TCAP results at the following link: https://familyreport.tnedu.gov/login . ParentSquare provides messaging through email, text, or app notification. For additional information and to update your ParentSquare account go to the following link: https://www.cmcss.net/parentsquare/ .
Students and parents may access local assessment results on-going through students’ PowerSchool accounts at the following link:
https://powerschool.cmcss.net/public/ .
Elementary School Assessments
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
Test Window: TBD 2027, grade 4
NAEP is the largest national assessment with results representative of what students across the United States know and can do in various subject areas.
The NAEP 2026 will include one main assessment program. Participating schools and the assessment program for each are selected by NAEP. Students will respond to questions in mathematics, reading, or science, and each student will answer questions in only one subject.
State-Level Assessments
For state-level assessments, NAEP will administer mathematics and reading assessments to students in grade 4. Results from the state-level assessments will be released as The Nation’s Report Card.
NAEP will also administer pilot assessments for mathematics and reading in grade 4. Results from pilots will not be released but will inform NAEP assessments.
TCAP Achievement grades 2-5, State Assessment
State Test window, April 7-May 1, grades 2-5- The first week of this window will be strictly for the writing portion of the ELA subpart.
The TCAP tests are designed to assess true student understanding and not just basic memorization and test-taking skills. TCAP measures student understanding of our state standards.
Each subject-area test is divided into multiple subparts and will be administered during one testing window at the end of the school year.
- English language arts (4 subparts) will assess the Tennessee Academic Standards through literary and informational texts requiring students to demonstrate the ability to read closely, analyze text, answer text-dependent questions, provide a written response to a prompt, and demonstrate command of the English language.
- Mathematics (3 subparts) will consist of both calculator permitted and calculator prohibited subparts. It assesses the Tennessee Academic Standards requiring students to demonstrate a deep conceptual understanding of mathematics, number sense, fluency, problem solving and an understanding of the grade-level horizontal coherence embedded within the standards. The mathematics test will focus approximately 70 percent of the assessment items on major work of the grade and approximately 30 percent of the items on supporting work.
- Science (1 subpart in grades 3-8) will assess the current Tennessee Academic Standards requiring students to demonstrate a deep conceptual understanding of scientific concepts in Life Science, Earth and Space Science and Physical Science.
The results of these examinations will be factored into the student’s grade at a percentage determined by the State Board of Education in accordance with T.C.A. §49-1-617 (c) and following the CMCSS District Policy INS-A023.
Assessment Results
CMCSS will communicate to families the receipt of State Assessment results and reports through the ParentSquare communication platform. The information will include the timeline for reports to be sent home as well as how to access the TN Department of Education TCAP Family Portal for on-demand TCAP results at the following link: https://familyreport.tnedu.gov/login . ParentSquare provides messaging through email, text, or app notification.
Students and parents may access local assessment results on-going through students’ PowerSchool accounts at the following link: https://powerschool.cmcss.net/public/ .
For more information on the TCAP ACH, please visit the state assessment website: at https://www.tn.gov/education/districts/lea-operations/assessment/tnready.html
Universal Screener
Grades K-5; Reading/Math — Fall (August 17-28, 2026), Winter (December 7-17, 2026) and Spring Administration (April 12-23, 2027); Social/Emotional SAEBRS – Fall (September 2-Octoober2, 2026), Winter (December 7-17, 2026), Spring (April 12-23, 2027); RTI2 Assessment
Universal screenings review the performance and progress of all students through brief assessments in reading, math, and social-emotional behavior. Universal screenings assist schools with identification of students who may need more intensive/strategic support or other types of instruction/intervention. CMCSS has adopted FastBridge (Renaissance) as its universal screening measure. For more information on the Universal Screener and RTI2, please visit the district RTI2 hub at https://sites.google.com/cmcss.net/rti2/home
Benchmark Assessments
Benchmark assessments are used to help identify student mastery and areas of need associated with grade level standards. Students in second through fifth take three reading and math benchmarks to assess progress on standards. Third through fifth grade students complete science benchmarks to assess mastery of standards. Students in Social Studies are assessed on common assessments to assess mastery and growth on standards.
ELPA21 for EL students, State Assessment
Test window for grades K-12: February 1-March 26, 2027
ELPA21, is a suite of summative English language proficiency assessments. ELPA21 is taken annually by English learners in grades K-12 and assesses students in the four language domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. An English Language proficiency assessment, is administered to students identified as NELB [non-English Language Background] upon the arrival in the district. https://www.elpa21.org/
Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM), ELA & Math and TCAP-Alt Science and Social Studies (TCAP-Alt)
Test windows: DLM Fall: September 4-December 18, 2026, Spring: February 1-May 21, 2027, TCAP-ALT: March 15-April 30, 2027
The Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) are assessments in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics designed for students with significant cognitive disabilities in grades 3–8 and grade 11. The DLM measures student mastery of the Tennessee Academic Standards. While the DLM covers grade-level content standards at a simplified level, it includes many built-in supports, modified materials, and accommodations. The assessment is designed to be administered online; however, depending on students’ individual needs, some students will interact directly with the computer while others will interact with printed materials prepared by the test administrator. The test includes built-in supports to ensure students can respond as independently as possible.
TCAP Alternate (TCAP-Alt)
Test Window: March 15-April 30, 2027
Assessments will be given in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics, for grade 2, and science and social studies, for grades 3-8 and grade 10, designed for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities and measure student mastery of the Tennessee Academic Standards. While the TCAP-Alt covers grade-level standards at a simplified level, it also includes many built-in supports, modified materials, and accommodations.
More information on eligibility requirements for alternate assessments is available here.
Middle School Assessments
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
Test Window: TBD 2027, grade 8
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is the largest national assessment with results representative of what students across the United States know and can do in various subject areas. The assessments are administered periodically online and in pencil/paper format in math, reading, science, writing, the arts, civics, economics, geography, US History, technology, and engineering literacy. For more information on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), please visit https://www.tn.gov/education/districts/lea-operations/assessment/naep.html
TCAP Achievement (ACH) grades 6-8, State Assessment
Test window, April 7-May 1, 2027- The first week of this window will be strictly for the writing portion of the ELA subpart.
- The Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Achievement (ACH) assessment. Students who are enrolled in a grade 6-8 ELA class must take the assessment. The ELA TCAP assessments for grades 6-8 are administered in four subparts, the first of which contains a written response question. The MATH assessments are administered in three subparts, the first of which is without a calculator. The SCIENCE TCAP assessments for grades 6-8 are administered in two subparts, and calculators are allowed. The SOCIAL STUDIES assessment is administered in two subparts. All TCAP assessments for grades 6-8 will be administered using an online testing platform. Social studies (2 subparts in grades 6-8) will assess the current Tennessee Academic Standards for social studies requiring students to demonstrate historical awareness, geographical understanding and the ability to analyze primary source documents.
- The results of these examinations will be factored into the student’s grade at a percentage determined by the State Board of Education in accordance with T.C.A. §49-1-617 (c) and following the CMCSS District Policy INS-A023.
Assessment Results
CMCSS will communicate to families the receipt of State Assessment results and reports through the ParentSquare communication platform. The information will include the timeline for reports to be sent home as well as how to access the TN Department of Education TCAP Family Portal for on-demand TCAP results at the following link: https://familyreport.tnedu.gov/login . ParentSquare provides messaging through email, text, or app notification.
Students and parents may access local assessment results on-going through students’ PowerSchool accounts at the following link: https://powerschool.cmcss.net/public/ .
For more information on the TCAP ACH, please visit the state assessment website at https://www.tn.gov/education/districts/lea-operations/assessment/tnready.html
Universal Screener
Grades 6-8; Reading/Math — Fall (August 17-28, 2026), Winter (December 7-17, 2026) and Spring Administration (April 12-23, 2027); Social/Emotional SAEBRS – Fall (September 2-Octoober2, 2026), Winter (December 7-17, 2026), Spring (April 12-23, 2027); RTI2 Assessment
Universal screenings review the performance and progress of all students through brief assessments in reading, math and social-emotional behavior. Universal screenings assist schools with identification of students who may need more intensive/strategic support or other types of instruction/intervention. CMCSS has adopted FastBridge (Renaissance) as its universal screening measure. For more information on the Universal Screener and RTI2, please visit the district RTI2 hub at https://sites.google.com/cmcss.net/rti2/home
Benchmarks Assessments
Grades 6-8: Sixth through eighth grade students will take unit and mid-unit assessments in math, English language arts, science, and social studies throughout, and at the end of each unit during the school year. These assessments will guide teachers in determining mastery of grade level standards. In addition, students will complete two district benchmarks in English language arts, math, science, and social studies. The two district benchmarks will be taken online through the Mastery Connect platform, and are intended to be predictive of student performance regarding grade level standards to support continued instruction.
ELPA21 for EL students, State Assessment
Test window for grades K-12: February 1-March 26, 2027
ELPA21, is a suite of summative English language proficiency assessments. ELPA21 is taken annually by English learners in grades K-12 and assesses students in the four language domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. An English Language proficiency assessment, is administered to students identified as NELB [non-English Language Background] upon the arrival in the district. https://www.elpa21.org/
Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM), ELA & Math and TCAP-Alt Science and Social Studies (TCAP-Alt)
Test windows: DLM Fall: September 4-December 18, 2026, Spring: February 1-May 21, 2027, TCAP-ALT: March 15-April 30, 2027
The Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) are assessments in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics designed for students with significant cognitive disabilities in grades 3–8 and grade 11. The DLM measures student mastery of the Tennessee Academic Standards. While the DLM covers grade-level content standards at a simplified level, it includes many built-in supports, modified materials, and accommodations. The assessment is designed to be administered online; however, depending on students’ individual needs, some students will interact directly with the computer while others will interact with printed materials prepared by the test administrator. The test includes built-in supports to ensure students can respond as independently as possible.
TCAP Alternate (TCAP-Alt)
Test Window: March 15-April 27, 2026
Assessments will be given in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics, for grade 2, and science and social studies, for grades 3-8 and grade 10, designed for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities and measure student mastery of the Tennessee Academic Standards. While the TCAP-Alt covers grade-level standards at a simplified level, it also includes many built-in supports, modified materials, and accommodations.
More information on eligibility requirements for alternate assessments is available here.
High School Assessments
ACT – National Assessment
State Senior Fall Retake Window – Sept 29- Oct 9, 2026; Junior Spring ACT – March 23-April 2, 2027
The ACT is a comprehensive college readiness assessment and is a curriculum- and standards-based educational and career planning tool. It covers a wide range of subjects that assess students’ mathematical skills, grammar usage, science interpretation, and reading comprehension. Results from college readiness tests like ACT are often used to determine eligibility for scholarships, including the Tennessee HOPE scholarship. Pursuant to T.C.A. § 49-6-6001, Students enrolled in Tennessee public schools during their eleventh grade year must complete the ACT (or SAT) prior to graduation (see High School Policy 2.103).
CMCSS provides students one free ACT assessment as a junior and a second free opportunity as a senior. For more information on the ACT, please visit https://www.tn.gov/education/districts/lea-operations/assessment/act-sat.html
Advanced Placement (AP), National Assessment
Advance Placement courses and exams provide students the opportunity to complete challenging college level courses while in high school. Colleges and universities grant program placement and course credit for students achieving high scores on advance placement exams. For more information on AP and specific dates, please visit the AP website at: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/exam-calendar
United States Civics test
Test window, 1st semester: November, 2026 and 2nd semester: April, 2027
All high school students in Tennessee are required to take a United States civics test. In CMCSS, students will take the Unites States Civics test either in US Government & Civics or in JROTC II. (Tennessee State Board of Education, High School Policy, 2.103, revised 10/31/2014.) This is a requirement for graduation.
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
Test window: TBD
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is the largest national assessment with results representative of what students across the United States know and can do in various subject areas. The assessments are administered periodically online and in pencil/paper format in math, reading, science, writing, the arts, civics, economics, geography, US History, technology, and engineering literacy. For more information on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), please visit https://www.tn.gov/education/districts/lea-operations/assessment/naep.html
TCAP END OF COURSE (EOC), State Assessment
Test window, April 19-May 6, 2027
Students who are enrolled in an EOC class, regardless of grade level, must take the assessment pertinent to that class. The TCAP ENGLISH Language Arts End of Course (EOC) assessments are given in English I and English II. The ELA EOC assessments are administered in three subparts, the first of which contains a written response question. The TCAP MATHEMATICS End of Course (EOC) assessments are given in Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. The math assessments are administered in three subparts, the first of which is without a calculator. The SCIENCE, Biology End-of-Course (EOC) assessment, is administered in one subpart and calculators are allowed. The U.S. HISTORY assessment is administered in two subparts.
Students enrolled in a substituting course without an End of Course examination explicitly tied to the State Board of Education-approved curriculum content standards of that course shall not take an EOC. This exemption applies to all substituting courses, including, but not limited to, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, dual enrollment, and dual credit courses.
The results of these examinations will be factored into the student’s grade at a percentage determined by the State Board of Education in accordance with T.C.A. §49-1-617 (c) and following the CMCSS District Policy INS-A023.
Assessment Results
CMCSS will communicate to families the receipt of State Assessment results and reports through the ParentSquare communication platform. The information will include the timeline for reports to be sent home as well as how to access the TN Department of Education TCAP Family Portal for on-demand TCAP results at the following link: https://familyreport.tnedu.gov/login . ParentSquare provides messaging through email, text, or app notification.
Students and parents may access local assessment results on-going through students’ PowerSchool accounts at the following link: https://powerschool.cmcss.net/public/ .
For more information on the TCAP EOC, please visit state assessment website at https://www.tn.gov/education/districts/lea-operations/assessment/testing-overview.html
Universal Screener
HS; Reading/Math — Fall (August 17-28, 2026), Winter (December 7-17, 2026) and Spring Administration (April 12-23, 2027); Social/Emotional SAEBRS – Fall (September 2-Octoober2, 2026), Winter (December 7-17, 2026), Spring (April 12-23, 2027); RTI2 Assessment
Universal screenings review the performance and progress of all students through brief assessments in reading, math and social-emotional behavior. Universal screenings assist schools with identification of students who may need more intensive/strategic support or other types of instruction/intervention. CMCSS has adopted FastBridge (Renaissance) and the use of an Early Warning System as its universal screening measure. For more information on the Universal Screener and RTI2, please visit the district RTI2 hub at https://sites.google.com/cmcss.net/rti2/home
Benchmark Assessments
Common benchmarks are used to help identify student mastery and areas of need associated with the standard expectations in each course. Students in core content courses (English I, II, Algebra I, II, Geometry, Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, World History, and U.S. History) will take common benchmark assessments two to three times a year. All common assessments will be administered through paper and pencil administration or online using various platforms including Mastery Connect assessments for ELA, math, science and history.
ELPA21 for EL students, State Assessment
Test window for grades K-12: February 1-March 26, 2027
ELPA21, is a suite of summative English language proficiency assessments. ELPA21 is taken annually by English learners in grades K-12 and assesses students in the four language domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. An English Language proficiency assessment, is administered to students identified as NELB [non-English Language Background] upon the arrival in the district. https://www.elpa21.org/
Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM), ELA & Math and TCAP-Alt Science and Social Studies (TCAP-Alt)
Test windows: DLM Fall: September 4-December 18, 2026, Spring: February 1-May 21, 2027, TCAP-ALT: March 15-April 30, 2027
The Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) are assessments in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics designed for students with significant cognitive disabilities in grades 3–8 and grade 11. The DLM measures student mastery of the Tennessee Academic Standards. While the DLM covers grade-level content standards at a simplified level, it includes many built-in supports, modified materials, and accommodations. The assessment is designed to be administered online; however, depending on students’ individual needs, some students will interact directly with the computer while others will interact with printed materials prepared by the test administrator. The test includes built-in supports to ensure students can respond as independently as possible.
Most of the items are selected response, but some items are constructed response. Visit the Test Administration Window webpage for more information.
TCAP Alternate (TCAP-Alt)
Test Window: March 15-April 30, 2027
Assessments will be given in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics, for grade 2, and science and social studies, for grades 3-8 and grade 10, designed for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities and measure student mastery of the Tennessee Academic Standards. While the TCAP-Alt covers grade-level standards at a simplified level, it also includes many built-in supports, modified materials, and accommodations.
More information on eligibility requirements for alternate assessments is available here