Title: Fact Sheet 21-4: Facts for Parents on Opting Out of State Tests
Headings: Fact Sheet 21-4: Facts for Parents on Opting Out of State Tests For 2020-21
Fact Sheet 21-4: Facts for Parents on Opting Out of State Tests For 2020-21
HOW DO YOU OPT YOUR CHILD OUT OF THE STATE TESTS
FEDERAL REQUIREMENT FOR TESTING
CONSEQUENCES OF OPT-OUTS

Content: NYSUT fully supports a parent’s right to choose what is best for their children. HOW DO YOU OPT YOUR CHILD OUT OF THE STATE TESTS
SED does not dispute a parent’s right to opt their child out of the state tests but has not adopted a formal state policy. Therefore, the opt-out process is different in each district. You should check with your school principal or district administrator to find out the process in your district. If the district does not have a standard form, send the principal a letter stating the tests you do not want your child to take part in, and request the district provide a productive alternative activity if your child is attending school in person. All requests for opt-outs should be made in writing to ensure a paper trail should a question arise about whether you requested that your child not take the state tests. The letter should be provided to the school principal prior to the start of the state testing period. The sooner the letter is provided the less likely the district is to dispute your request. Some parents provide the letter on the first day of school. FEDERAL REQUIREMENT FOR TESTING
The grades 3-8 ELA and mathematics state assessments are required by the Federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).