Title: FAQ — NYC OPT OUT
Headings: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
New York State is required by federal law to administer math and ELA (English Language Arts) tests to every public school student in 3rd-8th grade and science tests in 4th and 8th grade. However, it is your right as a parent to refuse these tests on behalf of your child.
HOW TO REFUSE ("Opt Out" of) THE STATE TESTS
Q: I have decided to opt my child out. What do I need to do?
Q: I was told that I am required to meet with the principal if I want to opt out. Is that true?
Q: If we refuse the tests, will my child have to take the make up?
Q: What if my principal tells me that I am not allowed to refuse the tests, pressures my child to take the test, or treats my child unfairly for refusing?
Q: What if I refuse permission for my child to take the test, but the school makes my child take it anyway?
TEST REFUSAL & STUDENTS
Q: Will students who refuse the tests be subject to any negative consequences (being scored a level 1, held back, banned from extracurricular activities, denied services, etc.)?
Q: Will opting out stop my child from getting into a good middle or high school?
Q: My child has an IEP. Can I opt out of the tests and still have him fulfill his IEP?
Q: Will boycotting the tests interfere with my child’s promotion or put her at risk for being sent to summer school?
Q: I heard that under the federal education law ( ESSA) my child will be scored a 1 (the lowest score) if she opts out. Is that true?
TEST REFUSAL & SCHOOLS
Q: I’ve heard that if a large number of students opt out, our school could lose money. Is this true?
Q: I’ve heard that if a large number of students opt out, our school could be taken over by the state. Is this true?
Q: What happens to my kid’s school if more than 5% of the students refuse the tests?
TEST REFUSAL & TEACHERS
Q: If high-performing students opt out of the tests, will it lower the evaluation scores of their teachers?

Content: We have heard that some NYC parents are being told they cannot print out a form letter like our sample letter. If this happens to you, ask to see where this rule appears in writing from from the NYC DOE or New York State Education Department. If you are shown something, please ask for a copy or take a picture and send it to us .) Make arrangements with your child’s teacher and/or principal for what your child will do during the testing days. Most schools will have non-testing children read, write, or draw quietly either in their classroom or in a separate location like the library. Some will send children to help out in lower grades. If the school has large numbers of children opting out, the school day may proceed more or less normally, with the few children who are testing sent to a separate location. Bottom line: You do not have to keep your child home in order to refuse the tests. Q: