Title: Opt Out of Standardized Testing - California Teachers Association
Headings: 
You Can Opt Out: Know Your Rights
What is the CAASPP System?
Can parents opt out of state testing for their child?
How do parents opt out of standardized testing for their child?
How will opting out of testing affect my child’s grades or academic standing?
Is opting out of testing legal?
What will my child do while the tests are administered?
What if a parent submits a request to opt out after CAASPP testing has already started?
Does opting out cost my school or district money?
What is CTA’s position on testing?
What can I do to support learning over testing?
Opting Out Resources from CTA
For Educators:
For Parents:
PDFs of FAQs
Additional Resources and Community Allies
Testing That Works for Our Students
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Content: The Smarter Balanced Assessments are in English language arts and mathematics for grades 3 through 8 and 11. For more information on CAASPP, visit http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca. Can parents opt out of state testing for their child? Yes. California Education Code section 60615 allows a parent or guardian to submit a written request to school officials to exclude his or her child from any or all parts of state-mandated assessments. Section 852 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations further provides that parents or guardians may annually submit a written request to the school to excuse their child from any or all parts of CAASPP for the school year. How do parents opt out of standardized testing for their child? Check specifics with your school district, but generally, parents write a letter to the superintendent or school principal letting them know that their child will not take part in the specific test (name the test) this year, and ask that the school make arrangements for a productive educational experience for their child during the testing period. How will opting out of testing affect my child’s grades or academic standing? Currently, there are no state-mandated consequences for students who do not take the Smarter Balanced Assessments or other state-mandated tests.