D.C.'s state test changes to a shorter adaptive DC CAPE 2.0 in spring 2027

What happened

At the State Board's November 5, 2025 working session, OSSE explained that it will replace the current state test with DC CAPE 2.0 in spring 2027. The new test: - is computer-adaptive and uses Smarter Balanced content - takes two to three hours less, OSSE says - reports four performance levels instead of five OSSE said 2027 school accountability ratings will leave out student growth measures, which return in 2028.

Why it matters to families

Students in tested grades will take a different state test, and families will see scores reported on a new four-level scale. Scores and school ratings from 2027 will not compare directly with earlier years.

The evidence

In the official recording of the November 5, 2025 working session, OSSE staff present the DC CAPE 2.0 transition, the reduced testing time, the four performance levels and the 2027 accountability changes.

The source