Opting Out
Why we refuse NYS Standardized Assessments
Opting-out is the process of refusing to participate in state and district testing programs for grades 3-8.
* Parents can write and submit a refusal letter to refuse their children from taking the NYS Assessments grades 3-8.
*What is the difference between “opting out” and “refusing?” In practice, nothing. But the official term to use in your letter is “refuse.”
*Districts MUST accept parents’ refusal letters since it is a parent’s right to opt out of the NYS assessments.
NYS Assessments 2018/19 Summary
Opt-Out FAQ
TEST REFUSAL & IMPACT ON SCHOOLS
TEST REFUSAL & IMPACT ON MY CHILD
HOW TO REFUSE (“Opt-Out” of) THE STATE TESTS
HOW TO OPT OUT OF STATE AND LOCAL ASSESSMENTS
In addition to the NYS Assessments, depending on the district, there are also local standardized assessments given to our children throughout the school year. Use the following documents to learn more about the different assessments and how to opt out of them.
Opt-Out FAQ
TEST REFUSAL & IMPACT ON SCHOOLS
TEST REFUSAL & IMPACT ON MY CHILD
HOW TO REFUSE (“Opt-Out” of) THE STATE TESTS
Top Three Reasons Why Parents Don’t Opt-Out
(and our response)
I want them to take tests. It’s good practice for the SAT’s/Regents.
OUR RESPONSE
Some parents believe that standardized testing in 3rd through 8th grades is good preparation for standardized tests they will face in high school and beyond. However, the NY State tests are not similar to the SAT’s or any other standardized exam. The format, content, answer choice patterns, question types and patterns, and duration are all different with different purposes for each one. Each one requires its own analysis and practice in terms of breaking down question types and answer choice patterns.
It doesn’t matter, I don’t see the need to opt out.
OUR RESPONSE
It does matter. Refusing to take the state assessments is about a persistently calling attention to how standardized testing is tied to corporatization and privatization of public schools, narrowing curriculum that results in “teaching to the test,” and evaluating teachers based on test scores. It moves people to action and in turn, places pressure on our elected officials by demanding deeper more thoughtful whole-child education, not a one size fits all regurgitation of information.
I like to see how my kids are doing
OUR RESPONSE
Every year we post SEVERAL examples of NYS Assessment questions that are above grade level, poorly constructed, and developmentally inappropriate. A better, more reliable way to to see how your child is doing is to check in with his/her teacher and simply ask. Weekly assessments that are created by their teachers, developmentally appropriate and used to guide instruction will also tell you how your child is doing.