What does this mean for the DC CAS and my child? 

What is the DC CAS?

The DC Comprehensive Assessment System (DC CAS) is taken in mid-April. It is a series of tests that assesses our students on reading in grades 2-10; math in grades 3-8 and 10; science in grades 5 and 8; biology in high school; and writing in grades 4, 7 and 10.

This annual test keeps DCPS accountable for meeting high standards for our students’ success. For the 2012-2013 school year, students will continue to take the DC CAS in April 2013. 

View assessment calendars »

DC CAS Math (April 2012)

Students in Grade 2 will also take a math summative assessment at the end of this year. This test will include a summary of everything covered over the course of the school year.

Students in grades 3-8 and 10 will continue to take the DC CAS.

Here are the priority math standards for each grade:

Grade 3 – Multiplication, Measurement
Grade 4 – Fractions
Grade 5 – Operations with whole numbers, fractions and decimals
Grade 6 – Rational numbers
Grade 7 – Proportional reasoning
Grade 8 – Linear algebra
Grade 10 – Linear fractions, Polynomials

DC CAS Science (April 2012)

Students in grades 5 and 8 and students taking biology will continue to take the DC CAS science assessment. There is no change to students’ assessment in science.

DC CAS Reading (April 2012)

Students in grades 4, 7 and 10 will respond to text-based writing prompts. Instead of being asked to write about opinions or experiences, students now will be asked to read through passages and respond to content-based questions, an important skill that students will need when they move on to college and begin careers.

Here’s an example of text-based writing prompts:

• Old way (opinions or experiences): “Write about a time when you were surprised.”
• New way (text-based): “Read the passage and write a summary of the author’s argument and three best pieces of evidence that support the argument.”

The future of DC CAS

Starting in the 2014-2015 school year, DCPS will administer the new Common Core State Standards assessment, which is called the PARCC (Partnership of Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers).

This assessment will replace the DC CAS. It will mark student progress to make sure students are on track for college and careers as well as provide teachers with timely information so they can improve instruction. You can learn more about the PARCC here:

• Common Core State Standards
• Parent Guides to Student Success (National PTA)