Delaware Comprehensive Assessment System

What is DCAS?
The Delaware Comprehensive Assessment System (DCAS) is a statewide standardized testing program tied to the Delaware Content standards, which define the knowledge and skill required for your children to succeed beyond high school.  It is state mandated that all public and charter schools participate in the testing program in Math, Reading, Science, and Social Studies.  The purpose of the DCAS is to measure how individual students are performing in relationship to the State Content Standards.  The results of these tests are used for curriculum planning, school improvement, and accountability standards.  Delaware’s assessments will be given online instead of with paper and pencil test booklets.  Students will have multiple opportunities to take each of the tests throughout the school year.  The online tests provide teachers and students immediate feedback about student performance.  Teachers can use the information to adjust instruction to meet students’ needs.  Online testing provides more flexibility for schools to schedule tests over more than one day if necessary so students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills.  Tests will also help identify students who deserve financial incentives for excellence in performance.  Students who score the highest scale scores in Reading and Math in grades 8 and 10 will receive college scholarships.

Additional Information:

• DCAS Blog:  Post questions about the new DCAS Testing System  more
• Essential Questions & Answers for Parents and Primary Caregivers  more
• DCAS Testing Assessment Window Dates  more
• Presentation:  DCAS Standard Setting  more
• New State Testing Data Released July 21, 2011  more
• DCAS Family Reports Interpretive Guide:  Understanding Your Child's Test Scores  more