Dear Principal Name, I wanted to let you know that my child, name, will not take part in the name the test this year. We ask that you make arrangements for him/her to have a productive educational experience during the testing period. Thank you for all you do.
Under Oregon law, a parent or student age 18+ may opt out of Oregon's annual statewide math and language arts assessments by filling out an annual opt-out form, which starting this year can be submitted online.
Despite the enormous pressure parents and students are under to participate in high-stakes testing, you have the right to refuse. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO “OPT OUT” OF TESTING? It means refusing to take a state standardized test, such as MCAS or ACCESS. Typically, parents are the ones opting out their children.
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.
Alternatives that require analysis or evaluation: Analysis and response to a case study. Analysis of data or a graph. Analysis of an event, performance, or work of art. Chart, graph, or diagram with explanation. Debate. Legal brief. Review of a book, play, performance, etc. Literature review.
The main purposes for standardized testing are to compare student achievement, to serve as an accountability measurement for teachers/schools/school districts, and to provide the necessary information for data-driven instruction.
The Case for Opting Out If testing causes your child undue stress, or your child has an issue such as dyslexia that makes a timed test a living nightmare, then putting your child through testing feels like cold, hard punishment that they don't deserve. My feeling? Opt them out.
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.
With an opt-out approach, a notification is sent home to all students, and the child only returns the signed form if their parent/guardian does not want them to participate in the curriculum. If the form is not returned, the child remains in the class.
Standardized tests typically measure a few core skills like reading, writing, and math, which limits the broader picture of learning. Skills like creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and social abilities, which are crucial for future success, often fall outside the reach of these tests.