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: 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). In December 2015, ESEA was reauthorized as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). ESSA continues the requirements for statewide standardized tests [1] and that 95 percent of all students and subgroups be assessed annually. To comply with the federal requirements for the 2020-21 school year, New York State will administer the ELA and mathematics assessments in grades 3-8; Regents ELA, Algebra 1, Living Environment and Physical Setting/Earth Science; and, grades 4 and 8 science.