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: This flexibility includes: Extending the testing window and moving assessments to the summer or fall
Giving the assessments remotely
Shortening the state assessment
In a statement in response to USDE, Commissioner Rosa expressed disappointment in the decision not to grant a blanket waiver of the testing requirements. SED will continue to have discussions with USDE to explore New York State’s options. The Commissioner also acknowledged that USDE affirmed no child should be made to come to school to take a state assessment. SED had stated previously that no state tests will be administered remotely. Regardless of what flexibility the federal government provides, we have grave concerns that standardized tests can be administered in any sort of equitable way. NYSUT supports Commissioner Rosa’s position that no student should be forced to come to school in person just to take a test. As this round of state tests approach, it is important to review the facts around opting out of state tests, in particular, the grades 3-8 ELA and math state assessments. Some districts have begun to provide parents with inaccurate information about the impact of opt-outs and the procedures for testing in 2020-21. This fact sheet attempts to clear up the misinformation by reviewing the potential consequences of opting-out for districts and students and the procedures for this year’s tests.