In many school districts in Ohio and across the country, families are attempting to "opt out" of mandated state assessments, particularly those aligned to the Common Core. Opt-out requests can take several forms. In some cases, parents choose to keep their children home from school on test and make-up days. In others, the student comes to school on test day, but refuses to take the test. Other parents will send a letter to school on test day or in advance, stating that their child should not be required to take the test. In light of these opt-out requests, the Ohio Department of Education is encouraging districts to talk with families about their concerns regarding testing, and has prepared a state testing fact sheet for districts and families to help inform the conversation.
The fact sheet makes it clear that there is no law that allows a parent or student to opt out of state testing, nor is there a state test opt-out procedure or form. It also details the consequences for students, teachers and districts when students do not participate in state tests.
A copy of the fact sheet, "Information on Student Participation in State Tests," is available on ODE's website. If you have additional questions, please contact ODE at statetests@education.ohio.gov or the OSBA division of legal services at (800) 589-OSBA.