The Colorado Academic Standards (CAS) are the expectations of what students need to know and be able to do at the end of each grade. They also stand as the values and content organizers of what Colorado sees as the future skills and essential knowledge for our next generation to be more successful. State standards are the basis of the annual state assessment.

The Colorado Department of Education has engaged in the standards development process on multiple occasions. The department uses a process that is shared across states and nations that is outlined below. This process would be followed to develop new standards should the state choose to change its math and reading, writing, and communicating standards. To follow the process with fidelity generally takes one year. Schools and districts then need...

As schools transition their curricula to reflect the new Colorado Academic Standards, a transitional version of the state assessment called the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program has be adopted. The TCAP is similar to the CSAP except that it no longer assesses many academic standards that are not part of the new, Colorado Academic Standards.

CDE developed four strategic goals that highlight shared core values for the education system in Colorado. These goals are represented throughout the ESSA state plan. 1. Start Strong- Every student starts strong with a solid foundation from preschool through third grade. 2. Read by third grade- Every student reads at grade level by the end of third grade. 3. Meet or exceed standards - Every student meets or exceeds standards. 4. Graduate ready - Every...