Guidance for Schools

Student Participation in Testing

Federal and state laws require all districts and schools to test all students in specific grades and courses. There is no law that allows a parent or student to opt-out of state testing, and there is no state test opt-out procedure or form. If a parent withdraws a child from participation in certain state tests, there may be consequences for the student, the student’s teacher, and the school and district. To help parents make informed decisions, schools should provide in writing the possible consequences of opting out, which are included in this guidance, as well as information about other district consequences. Schools are not required to — but may want to — request that a parent place in writing a decision to withdraw his or her student, so there is a record of why the student was not tested.

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