Colorado legislators compromise on plan to scale back CMAS testing

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- To take a state standardized test or not? This has been a continuous battle between parents, educators, and government officials.

Colorado Lawmakers are moving forward with a plan to scale back on CMAS testing.

This comes after House Bill 1161 cleared the House Education Committee with a bipartisan 8-1 vote. The original proposal to cancel statewide testing this spring was not pursued, out of concern that it wouldn't have been approved.

Rather, a compromise took place. The new bill now minimizes testing for students, teachers, and administrators dealing with the aftermath of the pandemic.

In place of taking all the exams, which is typical, math, science, Social Studies, and English, Colorado students in third grade through eighth grade will take a single standardized exam in either math or literacy, not both.

"We are disappointed with the federal government's decision to step in at this time with that kind of decision," shared Vice President of the Colorado Education Association, Kevin Vick.

"It will ease the testing burden while still complying with the federal guidelines," added Colorado Democratic Representative Tony Exum.

The latest federal guideline states, "students must participate in state testing this year in order for educators to understand the tumultuous effects on kids this academic year. Now it's up to the state to decide what that means for Colorado. "

Republican State Senator, Paul Lundeen who represents portions of El Paso County, had been in favor of bringing testing back. However, he said he's pleased with the compromise.

"It is less testing, but enough data to know 'is my child continuing to grow or are they sliding backward'," added Lundeen.

Still, parents will have the option to ask for their kids to take both a math and literacy exam.

One local teacher in the Colorado Springs, area who chose to remain anonymous, shared her concern with standardized testing during the pandemic.

"I'm a teacher and a parent and I strongly disagree with standardized testing this year. The students and teachers are already stressed their instruction has not been consistent. Some of their parents may have lost jobs during the pandemic," said the parent.

House Bill 1161 now moves to the Senate floor on Thursday. The final bill is expected to be passed by next week.