How to Opt Out Send an email or a letter to the principal of your child's school letting them know that you refuse to allow your child to participate in the NYS testing in ELA and math. Spread the Word! Many New Yorkers don't know that they have the right to opt out of the tests.
Students in grades 3–8 take the State English Language Arts (ELA) test each spring. Students who are English Language Learners and who have been in the United States for less than one year are not required to take the NY State ELA test in their grade but must start taking ELA tests after their first year.
It could be as basic as: “I want to let you know we do not want our child, name, to take part in the name the standardized exam this year. Please arrange for him or her to have a productive educational experience during the testing period.”Some states or districts have specific forms.