For those who don’t want to use ANY of the school district Opt-Out (Refusal) forms (below) here’s one from a Seattle mom you might consider:
Opt-Out (Refusal) Forms and Processes
We’ve asked every school district in SWW to provide either a link to their testing Opt-Out form, or, if it’s not online, to provide a copy that can be printed. Here’s what we have. This should be a complete list as of March 4th 2016.
Evergreen “Refusal” Form: From an email dated March 4, 2016 from the EGSD – “Please find forms our schools use when parents request refusal for their students relative to state testing. As your organization knows, there is not a provision in WA for families to opt out, but rather to refuse. Please see information on the district web site for additional information.” [Editor Note: The EGSD doesn’t want the term Opt-Out used…they want it called “Refusal”]
Regards, Chris McMurray EvergreenSD_Refusal Form – High School_2016 EvergreenSD_Refusal Form – Elementary and Middle School_2016
Battle Ground Opt-Out Form BGSD_2015-16 Opt-Out Form
Camas Opt-Out Form CamasSD_Opt-Out_Form
Hockinson Opt-Out Form Hockinson_2016_SBAC_Refusal_Form
LaCenter – The parent needs to write a letter to the school district and submit it. No other form or process step required.
Green Mountain: No form required. If a parent wants to Opt-Out they merely need to write a letter and get it to the school district
Vancouver: Out-Out Form + Testing timing Van_SD_Opt-Out_Form_2016
Washougal School District: We traded multiple email’s with the WSD trying to get an answer. Our discourse was with Dr. Patricia Boles/Assistant Superintendent/Washougal School District. After half a dozen email’s the following statement was what she verified would be accurate: So, to verify, you have no form and a letter from the parent is required at which point the parent would be asked to meet with the principal (but you can’t legally force the meeting and would have to accept the letter). Is that accurate? She said Yes on Feb 25, 2106.
Ridgefield: On February 28, 2016 we received the following email communication: I wanted to follow-up with you regarding the Ridgefield School District and state assessment refusals. After checking with OSPI, there is a new white paper that should be referenced with a revision date of 2/26/15. It can be found at, http://www.wera-web.org/publications/white-papers/
The Ridgefield School District will follow this guidance. After meeting with building principals regarding state testing questions and concerns, parents can complete the form to refuse participation. I think it is worth noting, that refusing to participate in state assessments may interfere with a student’s ability to graduate.
“Students in the Class of 2015 and later must meet standard on the English/Language Arts (ELA) high school test, one Math end-of-course exam (algebra or geometry), and the biology end-of-course exam, or approved alternatives, to earn a diploma. Make sure parents of high school students understand that:
- If a parent refuses to have his/her child participate in a required high school state assessments, the student will not receive a diploma.”
If you have any additional questions, please let me know.
Thanks,
Chris Griffith
Assistant Superintendent
Ridgefield School District
2724 S. Hillhurst Road
Ridgefield, WA 98642
360-619-1304 360-619-1397 fax
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In 2010 OSPI (Washington State Superintendents Office) published a “manual” for school districts to use in an attempt to “convince” parents that Opting Out was wrong and harmful. You may want to give it a read: 2010 Washington OSPI High Stakes Test Refusal Manual
Here are links to websites that have Opt-Out information that may be useful:
Stop Common Core in Washington State: https://stopcommoncorewa.wordpress.com/get-involved/ccss-opt-out-form/
Opt-Out Washington: http://optoutwashington.org/opt-out-washington-sbac-opt-out-form-and-flier
United Opt-Out: http://unitedoptout.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Washongton-State-Opt-Out-Guide-2015.pdf
February 23rd 2016 – Cascade Library
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Washington State SBAC testing schedule (OSPI). If the districts follow this then it should be accurate:
http://www.k12.wa.us/assessment/statetesting/timelines-calendars.aspx#SBA
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Opt-Out movement more than just about tests, advocates say – This article was published in U.S. News in March 2015
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Battle Ground School District Opt-Out Form: We made comments when this form was first designed. We submitted this document to the Superintendent and his staff as well as the School Board. They made no changes. Please note that this is the form they would LIKE you to use. In reality you only need to write a letter and turn it in. They will then contact you and ask for an appointment to sit down and discuss your decision. They will work hard to explain why opting out is a bad idea and will harm your child. The pressure will be significant. You do NOT need to talk to them. In the form in the link you will see the comments we made. Notice that only 25% of the form is something to be filled out. The remaining 75% tells you why you MUST allow testing.
2014-15 Refusal Form Battle Ground SD_Comments
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WASHINGTON STATE OPT OUT GUIDE AND FORMS
FORM – Opt out of all state, interim, national, and international tests: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-_4eb469mNrMHRicXozVnBKSm8/view
WASHINGTON STATE OPT OUT GUIDE AND FORMS
FORM – Opt out of all state, interim, national, and international tests: https://drive.google.com/open…
FORM – Opt out of state testing only: https://drive.google.com/…/0B-_4eb469mNrenlXOHdHTl9uc…/view…
Opt out basics for Washington state.
~ The only thing you’re required to do to opt out is put your wishes in writing. Period. Your school may ask you (or tell you) to sign a particular form and/or meet with the principal. This is NOT required! But choose your battles.
~ If you choose to submit a form, we recommend this one. It includes the MSP/HSPE and ANYTHING having to do with the SBAC, including practice tests: https://drive.google.com/open… The form many districts are asking parents to sign does NOT include the MSP or the SBAC practice tests, and many children are being given practice tests to complete during testing time. This is almost exactly the same as taking the test.
~ You do NOT have to keep your child home unless you want to. The school is required to find a safe place for students not testing. Talk with your teacher about what your child will be doing during testing.
~ The school is not required to provide activities or work for your child during test times. Send them with a good book or something else. Or keep them home and have a special day. (It makes opting out all the sweeter!)
~ Your opt out this year will not make or break your school. Washington has lost it’s waiver from the federal requirement that ALL schools meet 100% proficiency on the state test. Obviously, that’s designed to fail. Your opt out will not matter.
~ There will be NO consequences to your child in grades 3-8 for opting out of the MSP or SBAC.
~ Opting out in high school may be trickier. Check OSPI’s website for current graduation requirements for your child’s specific graduating class. There are alternatives to the state test, alternative ways to achieve a state diploma, and alternative diplomas. Find the state testing requirements here: http://www.k12.wa.us/assessment/StateTesting/default.aspx
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US DOE Promises Funding Cuts To States Who Miss Participation Rates Two Years In A Row (December 2015)
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Oregon Opt-Out Form
2015-16_parent_request_for_oka_exemption_english
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United Op-Out form for Washington State
https://www.scribd.com/doc/236496130/Washington-August-11-2014
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