Requesting Your Child’s Student Performance Files

A guide for families of color advocating for transparency in education

Many parents want to better understand how their child is doing in school, but they may not realize that they have the right to request their child’s academic records and testing data from the school.

Student performance files can provide helpful information about how your child is progressing academically and whether they may need additional support. Access to this information allows families to make informed decisions and advocate for their child’s success.

What Are Student Performance Files?

Student performance files include records that show how a student is performing academically throughout the school year. These records may include classroom assessments, district benchmark tests, and state testing results.

Some common examples include:

ACCESS Scores This assessment measures English language development for multilingual learners. It evaluates skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

CMAS (Colorado Measures of Academic Success) Colorado’s state assessment used to measure student performance in subjects such as math, reading, science, and social studies.

Benchmark Assessments Schools often use assessments throughout the year to monitor student progress. These may include:

• i-Ready

• ANet (Achievement Network)

• STAR assessments

• Other district benchmark tests

These assessments help schools track growth and identify areas where students may need additional support.

Why Parents Should Review These Scores

Understanding your child’s assessment results can help you:

• See where your child is excelling

• Identify areas where additional support may be needed

• Understand how your child is progressing over time

• Ask informed questions during parent-teacher conferences or school meetings

Reviewing this information can also help families advocate for appropriate academic supports.

How to Request Your Child’s Records

Parents and guardians have the right to access their child’s educational records.

You can request student performance files by:

1. Contacting your child’s teacher or school office and asking for a copy of your child’s assessment results.

2. Emailing the school’s administration or data office to request your child’s testing records.

3. Requesting records during conferences or school meetings.

You may ask for:

• Current and past testing scores

• Growth reports or progress monitoring data

• Benchmark assessment results

• Any academic reports used to evaluate your child’s progress

Schools should provide these records within a reasonable timeframe.

Questions Parents Can Ask When Reviewing Scores

Once you receive the information, consider asking:

• What do these scores mean for my child?

• Is my child performing at grade level?

• What supports are available if my child is struggling?

• How will the school monitor progress moving forward?

Understanding the data helps families and schools work together to support student growth.

Encouragement for Families

Families of color play an important role in advocating for educational equity and ensuring that all children receive the support they need to succeed.

When parents request and review their child’s academic data, it creates opportunities for stronger collaboration between families and schools.

The more informed families are, the more confidently they can advocate for their child’s learning journey.