CMT (Connecticut Mastery Test)

The CMT (Connecticut Mastery Test) is designed to measure student performance in four academic areas. The assessment focuses on content that is reasonable to expect students at each grade to master. Student performance is compared to specific learning goals and objectives. The CMTs are administered in the spring to all CT public school students in grades 3-8.

Both the CMT and the CAPT (Connecticut Academic Performance Test) form the basis for measuring student achievement in Connecticut public schools. Both tests are designed and developed by the CT State Dept of Education and are aligned with the Connecticut curriculum frameworks.

Total Academic Center focuses on problem-solving abilities as well as reviewing the subject matter that will be covered on the CMT. With educators and staff well-experienced with the test and its expectations, TAC can provide a focused approach to preparing for the test every spring. Through close review of the many subjects presented on the test and practice with real CMT questions, students will be much better prepared to do well on the CMT.

The CMT includes Mathematics, Language Arts (Reading and Writing), and for grades 5 and 8, Science.

Mathematics

The Mathematics test assesses basic mathematics skills and concepts along with ability to solve realistic problems. Calculators are allowed to grades 5 through 8 for use only in sections 2 and 3. (Two 60-minute sessions for grades 3 & 4, three 60-minute sessions for grades 5 – 8; multiple choice, grid-in and short answer)

Language Arts

Reading

A student's reading score is a combination of scores from two tests, the Degrees of Reading Power and Reading Comprehension.

The Degrees of Reading Power (DRP) test assesses the student's understanding of what he or she has read. Students read nonfiction passages with missing words and then select appropriate words to complete the text. (45-minutes; multiple choice)

The Reading Comprehension test assesses a student's ability to read and understand both fiction and nonfiction passages.  (Two 45-minute sessions; multiple choice and short answer questions)

Writing

A student's writing score is a combination of scores from two writing tests, Direct Assessment of Writing and Editing and Revising.

The Direct Assessment of Writing test assesses how well students can communicate ideas in a coherent and organized way. This test requires students to draft a piece of writing in response to a given topic. (45 minutes)

The Editing and Revising test assesses students' skills in revising and editing a written piece. Students read passages and then answer multiple choice questions to correct common errors in organization, punctuation, usage and spelling. (60 minutes; multiple choice)

Science

This test is given to students in grade 5 and in grade 8 and is cumulative for the past three years of classes. The test covers basic knowledge, conceptual understanding, and application of knowledge and understanding of Life, Physical, and Earth Sciences.

• Life science is any science that deals with living organisms, their life processes, and their interrelationships, i.e. biology, medicine, ecology, anthropology.

• Physical science is any science that analyzes the nature and properties of energy and matter, i.e. physics, chemistry, astronomy, geology.

•  Earth science is any science that studies the origin, composition, and physical features of the Earth, i.e. geography, geology, oceanography, meteorology.

No science CMT is given in grades 3, 4, 6, or 7. Vocabulary definitions are not tested, and there will be no hands-on tasks. (65 minutes for grade 5, 70 minutes for grade 8; multiple choice and written response)