Third grade Hispanics did not reach proficiency level in language

RESULTS OF CMAS REVEALED

Newsroom El Comercio de Colorado  

Haga click aquí para leer la versión en español

Results from the spring 2023 Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) standardized test show troubling performance for students defined as multilingual. These students are those whose first language is not English and therefore are in the process of learning that language in school. These students show better results on their math and science tests. The problem for many lies in their skills in terms of reading and writing skills in their native language.  

Eighty-five percent of fourth grade students who took the Spanish language arts test did not meet the expectations in reading and writing. The problem extends to third grade, where eighty-one percent of students who took the test in Spanish also failed to meet expectations in reading and writing. State education authorities have expressed concern that this performance indicates a widening disparity between multilingual and Anglo students.  

An explanation  

“Multiple factors contribute to this performance gap. One factor is the impact of the pandemic as it disrupted learning routines and disproportionately affected English learners. Remote learning often meant less exposure to language instruction. Pandemic-related disruptions have stalled a critical phase of language development for the youngest students,” says Joyce Zurkowski, director of assessment for the Colorado Department of Education.  

Empowering parents  

Zurkowski believes that parents should take action to help develop their children’s literacy skills. Reports of students who took the CMAS tests are now available. If parents have not received the CMAS report, they should request it at their school. Review the report using the QR code at the bottom of the report to view and listen to a short explanatory video, available in English and Spanish.  

If you see that your client can benefit from some additional support, ask the teachers for guidance. You may be able to find an after-school program that can benefit your child. And at the same time identify some way to help my son at home. Language development is essential. Talk and read with your child in Spanish or English. And at the same time, ask her questions and ask her to show you what she is working on in math and science.  

Third grade Hispanics did not reach proficiency level in language

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Third grade Hispanics did not reach proficiency level in language