State testing in Washington, DC is evolving. Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, the District will introduce DC CAPE 2.0, an updated version of the DC Comprehensive Assessments of Progress in Education (DC CAPE), as outlined by the District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).
The updated assessments will incorporate Smarter Balanced computer-adaptive testing, giving educators more precise insights into student learning while reducing testing time.
Here’s what DC educators need to know.
DC CAPE 2.0 is the updated version of Washington, D.C.’s statewide assessment system for English language arts and mathematics. Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, the assessment will incorporate Smarter Balanced computer-adaptive testing, shorter exams, and expanded interim assessment resources to help educators monitor student learning throughout the year.
What Is DC CAPE 2.0?
DC CAPE 2.0 is the next generation of Washington, DC’s statewide assessments for English language arts (ELA) and mathematics.
The updated system will:
- Use computer-adaptive testing
- Provide more precise measurement of student learning
- Reduce testing time
- Provide interim assessments and instructional resources
DC CAPE 2.0 will continue to serve as the District’s spring statewide assessment, with an updated design and expanded educator supports.
Key Changes in DC CAPE 2.0
| Current DC CAPE | DC CAPE 2.0 |
|---|---|
| Fixed assessment design | Computer-adaptive assessment |
| Longer testing sessions | Shorter, more efficient exams |
| Limited instructional connections | Expanded interim assessments and teacher resources |
| Standalone summative assessment | Integrated system of summative and interim assessments |
The computer-adaptive design adjusts question difficulty based on student responses while maintaining grade-level rigor, allowing the assessment to measure student understanding more efficiently with fewer questions.
Computer-Adaptive Testing Explained
As students answer questions:
- Correct responses lead to more challenging questions
- Incorrect responses lead to questions that better measure current understanding
This approach produces more precise measures of student learning while reducing testing time.
What the Smarter Balanced Partnership Means
DC CAPE 2.0 incorporates assessment content and tools from the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, a group of states that develop standards-aligned assessments and instructional supports.
Through this partnership, DC schools gain access to:
- Computer-adaptive statewide assessments
- Interim assessments that measure student progress
- Tools for Teachers, which provide instructional resources aligned to assessment results
- Expanded accessibility supports and accommodations for diverse learners
This collaboration allows DC to benefit from resources developed across the Smarter Balanced network.
Supporting Instruction Throughout the Year
In addition to the spring summative assessment, the Smarter Balanced system includes interim assessments and instructional resources schools can use during the year.
These tools help educators:
- Monitor student progress
- Identify instructional gaps
- Adjust instruction before the spring assessment
- Connect assessment results to targeted supports
Interim assessments are delivered on the same platform as the summative test, helping students become familiar with the testing environment.
Ensuring Continuity During the Transition
To maintain consistent performance trends, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) will compare results from:
- 2025–2026 DC CAPE
- 2026–2027 DC CAPE 2.0
This analysis will help ensure performance data remains comparable during the transition.
How Edcite Supports DC CAPE Preparation
Educators need opportunities for students to practice in digital environments similar to statewide assessments.
Edcite helps DC educators create standards-aligned assessment experiences while providing teachers with actionable data.
Teachers preparing students for the spring 2026 DC CAPE administration can use the resources on this page to practice in an assessment environment similar to the current state test.
As the District transitions to DC CAPE 2.0 in 2027, educators can also explore this page to help students build familiarity with the updated testing experience.
State-Aligned Question and Assignment Banks
Educators can:
- Assess recently taught skills
- Build practice assignments and benchmarks
- Monitor student readiness before statewide testing
Technology-Enhanced Item Types
With 60+ digital question types, Edcite allows students to demonstrate understanding through:
- Constructed responses
- Graphing and modeling
- Multi-step problem solving
- Written explanations and reasoning
Real-Time Reporting for Instruction
Edcite reporting tools allow educators to:
- Monitor standards mastery
- Identify priority students for intervention
- Track progress throughout the year
This enables instructional adjustments before statewide testing occurs.
Preparing for the Future of DC State Testing
The introduction of DC CAPE 2.0 represents another step in the District’s effort to create a more responsive and student-centered assessment system.
Schools that:
- Build familiarity with digital assessments
- Monitor student progress throughout the year
- Use formative and interim assessments strategically
will be better positioned to support student success on statewide assessments.
Learn More About Preparing Students for DC CAPE
Want to support your students with standards-aligned digital practice?
Book a demo to see how Edcite helps schools:
- Prepare students for digital assessments
- Monitor progress with real-time reporting
- Build formative and benchmark assessments
Edcite supports educators with tools that help students demonstrate what they know and help teachers make informed instructional decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions About DC CAPE 2.0
When will DC CAPE 2.0 launch?
DC CAPE 2.0 will launch in the 2026–2027 school year.
What is changing in the new assessment system?
The updated system introduces computer-adaptive testing, shorter exams, and expanded instructional resources.
Will the assessment still be called DC CAPE?
Yes. The statewide assessment will remain DC CAPE, but the updated version will be referred to as DC CAPE 2.0.
What consortium supports the assessment design?
DC CAPE 2.0 incorporates resources from the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium.
Will teachers have access to interim assessments?
Yes. Interim assessments and instructional supports help educators monitor progress throughout the school year.
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