Colorado's state writing assessment, rubric by rubric
CMAS (Colorado Measures of Academic Success) is the state's annual summative assessment for English language arts and mathematics in grades 3 to 8. The writing component is delivered through Prose Constructed Response (PCR) items embedded in three task types, the Research Simulation Task (RST), the Literary Analysis Task (LAT), and the Narrative Writing Task (NT).
CMAS adopted the PARCC scoring framework when Colorado transitioned from PARCC administration. The same scoring rubrics published by CDE were developed collaboratively with PARCC and continue to apply for the CMAS PCR items. The construct framework, score-point language, and rule that the reading dimension is not scored for narratives all carry over.
Every CMAS rubric is scored on two constructs. RST and LAT share a combined Reading Comprehension and Written Expression construct, which folds analysis, organization, evidence use, and style into a single trait. NT drops the reading dimension because reading is not scored for elicited narrative stories. All PCRs add a Knowledge of Language and Conventions construct on a tighter scale. Total possible points vary by grade band, the Reading Comprehension and Written Expression construct uses 0 to 3 at grade 3 and 0 to 4 at grades 4 to 8.
The four Colorado CMAS writing rubrics
CMAS uses the construct framework PARCC originated and CDE adopted. Every Prose Constructed Response (PCR) is scored on two constructs. Research Simulation Task (RST) and Literary Analysis Task (LAT) share a combined Reading Comprehension and Written Expression construct. The Narrative Task (NT) drops the reading dimension because reading is not scored for elicited narrative stories. All PCRs add a Knowledge of Language and Conventions construct on a tighter scale.
Grade 3 students read a passage (or passages) and write a prose response that demonstrates comprehension and effective written expression. Scored on Reading Comprehension and Written Expression (0 to 3) and Knowledge of Language and Conventions (0 to 3).
Grade 3 students develop a narrative with appropriate narrative elements. Scored on Written Expression (0 to 3) and Knowledge of Language and Conventions (0 to 3). The reading dimension is not scored for elicited narrative stories.
Grades 4 and 5 students analyze the source text and write a prose response. Scored on Reading Comprehension and Written Expression (0 to 4) and Knowledge of Language and Conventions (0 to 3).
Grades 6 to 8 students develop a claim or topic using text-based evidence and an effective style. Scored on Reading Comprehension and Written Expression (0 to 4) and Knowledge of Language and Conventions (0 to 3).
How CMAS scores writing
Every CMAS writing rubric scores responses on two constructs. The first construct (Reading Comprehension and Written Expression on RST and LAT, or Written Expression alone on Narrative) describes the substance of the response, comprehension, development, organization, evidence, and clarity. The second construct (Knowledge of Language and Conventions) covers command of standard English conventions and is scored on a tighter scale.
Scored 0 to 3 at grade 3 and 0 to 4 at grades 4 to 8 for RST and LAT. The descriptors fold five elements into one construct, comprehension accuracy, appropriateness to task and audience, reasoning supported by text-based evidence, organization and coherence, and use of language to clarify ideas. At grades 6 to 8, an effective style is added to the construct.
Scored 0 to 3 at grade 3 and grades 4 to 5, and 0 to 4 at grades 6 to 8. Narrative responses are scored on the development of narrative elements (establishing a situation, sequencing events, describing scenes and people, developing characters, using dialogue), organization and coherence, and use of language. The reading dimension is not scored for elicited narrative stories.
Scored 0 to 3 across every CMAS rubric. Covers mechanics, grammar, and usage at an appropriate level of complexity. Top score allows a few minor errors as long as meaning is clear; bottom score covers frequent and varied errors that impede understanding.
Common questions about Colorado CMAS writing
What is the CMAS writing rubric?
How many constructs does each CMAS rubric score?
How are CMAS points distributed across grade bands?
How is the CMAS Narrative Task different from RST and LAT?
Is CMAS the same as PARCC?
Is this rubric the official version from CDE?
Where can I find the source document?
Does EnlightenAI auto-score with these rubrics?
Score Colorado CMAS writing in EnlightenAI
Train EnlightenAI on any of the official CMAS Prose Constructed Response rubrics and start scoring student writing, with consistent per-construct feedback, in a single class period.