State by state template created by UOO, http://unitedoptout.

com


This is not a legal document. It is for informational purposes only.
Template revised: 9.15.14



Testing opt-out/Refusal guide for Oregon

Form completed by Emily Crum

Contact information (email): emilycrum@yahoo.com


What is Opting-Out?
Opting-out is when a parent/guardian chooses to have a child not take the state standardized test.
Families have that right without personal penalty.

Oregon has chosen to administer the Smarter Balance Assessment starting the spring of 2015. Some
pilots have already taken place around the state. http://www.smarterbalanced.org/

Why Opt-Out?
High-stakes testing tying teacher and principal careers and school programs to high or improving
test scores fosters a culture of teaching-to-the-test.
Student sign at our Oregon Business Association protest
Time and resources spent to meet individual student needs and a rich curriculum are lost to
prepping students for stressful, high-stakes tests in only a few subjects.
The tests typically have racial and economic biases that benefit white and financially advantaged
students, but are detrimental to students who are English language learners, non-white, or financially
disadvantaged.
Opting-out of high-stakes testing gives families and students a say in public education. People will
take notice and demand better for our schools.

How to Opt-Out (its easy)

Your district may have a form that can be filled out, or send a letter to your child's teacher and
principal stating that you are opting-out of standardized testing, the reason for opting-out, and
suggest an alternative learning activity. Examples of such activities could be reading, researching,
writing, helping younger students, etc. This letter can be a few simple sentences.

If your child is in high school and opting-out of the standardized test for 11th grade, she/he will need
an alternative assessment to graduate, but this can be another standardized assessment like the ACT
or SAT, or a locally-scored work sample. Be ready to identify which option your high school student
will use. We encourage speaking with your high school counselor to determine if your student has
already met the essential skills requirement in other ways. More on essential skills.

Check in with your district to ensure it does not have a different process for opting-out of state
standardized testing. There will be a District Test Coordinator or assessment department that can
answer any questions.

Explain the topic to your student and why this is being done. If your child is old enough, make sure
she/he understands and wants to do this without pressure.

State by state template created by UOO, http://unitedoptout.com


This is not a legal document. It is for informational purposes only.
Template revised: 9.15.14


Sample language to include in opt out/refusal
Sample Opt Out Letter

Dear _______:
I am writing on behalf of _____ to opt him/her out of the (test name). He/she is neither permitted to
take the exam during mandated testing days nor during designated make-up sessions. Additionally, I
am requesting that the school make accommodations for meaningful alternative activities or
assignments that will continue to promote his/her academic and intellectual growth. My child will not
be in attendance if academically viable alternatives are not available. Furthermore, I must be
guaranteed in writing that whatever option is taken, either alternative assignments or absence, my
child will not face any negative consequences to, for example, course grades, social or behavioral
evaluations, workload, promotion, or future classroom assignments.

Strict adherence to state and federal high-stakes standardized testing, including the extensive
classroom preparation that occurs prior to test administration, prevents my child from receiving a
well-rounded and engaging educational experience. Until focus on testable skills diminishes to a
reasonable extent, I will continue to withhold my child from participation in the testing program, and
I ask that you honor that decision.

I do apologize in advance for the inconvenience or scrutiny that this decision may cause the
administration, the school, and staff.

Sincerely,

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will opting-out cause my school to not receive funding?
A: By law, all students are entitled to a free, public education. It would be illegal to withhold funding
from schools if students opt-out. There is no connection between funding and participation in state
testing.

Q: Won't test scores be required for college entry?
A: No. Opting-out of the high-stakes state test does not exclude choosing to take the SAT or ACT
College Board tests many colleges and universities use as part of the admission process. We do not
have a stance on taking the SAT or ACT, but it was interesting to find during our research there are
815 SAT/ACT-optional colleges and universities, including several in Oregon:
http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional

Q: The Test Administration Manual from the Oregon Department of Education says I can only opt-
out my child for disabilities or religious beliefs. Can I still opt-out just because I don't believe the
tests are worthwhile and are unjust in their use?
A: Yes. As far as the state is concerned, personal ethics count as being able to cite religious beliefs
as a reason to opt-out. Additionally, it would be a violation of civil rights to allow some people to opt
out due to their beliefs and not others.

Q: Won't opting-out hurt the ranking of my child's school?
A: It can. Schools that do not meet participation targets in all disaggregated groups will have their
overall rating lowered by one category level. All disaggregated groups with at least 40 students in
State by state template created by UOO, http://unitedoptout.com


This is not a legal document. It is for informational purposes only.
Template revised: 9.15.14


assessed grades over two years combined must meet the 95% participation target.

However, those targets are set by bad policies that have not been shown to help students. The opt-out
movement is growing nationally, with parent groups and student groups leading the way. Along with
being the right decision for students, it is a form of mild protest that will force policymakers to
respond to public concerns about how these mistaken education policies need to be changed.

Testing is not a substitute for curriculum and instruction. Good education cannot be achieved by a
strategy of testing children, shaming educators and closing schools. Diane Ravitch


Resources and organizations
United Opt Out www.unitedoptout.com
Fair Test www.fairtest.rog
Rethinking Schools www.rethinkingschools.org

Opt Out Supporters:
http://parentsacrossamerica.org/parents-america-statement-support-portland-student-test-boycott/
http://portlandstudentunion.wordpress.com/
what about putting resources to Seattles optout boycott? or Chicagos?

State specific watch-list
ALEC http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Oregon_ALEC_Politicians
Teach for America http://www.teachforamerica.org/search/node/oregon
Oregon for Education Reform
http://www.studentsfirst.org/page/group/OregonforEducationReform
Stand for Children Oregon http://stand.org/oregon
Chalkboard Project http://chalkboardproject.org/
Oregon Education Investment Board http://education.oregon.gov/Pages/default.aspx


For more information on opting out in Oregon go to
http://oregonsaveourschools.blogspot.com/p/opt-out_27.html

If you are interested in connecting with opt out in Oregon contact
Emily Crum emilycrum@yahoo.com