"Refusing The Test" Resources:
Refusing NYS Common Core StateTests
in Grades 3-8
The steps to refusing the NYS Common Core tests are very simple:
1.) Download a Test Refusal Letter:
English version: Click Here Spanish version: Click Here
2.) Email this letter to your child's principal, all your child's teachers, and the guidance counselor (if applicable). Copy the email to the superintendent and school board members.
Please Note: Some districts may require a hard copy.
3.) Call the principal one week later to confirm the procedure for your child on test day.
4.) Expect them to tell you that "no opt-out provision is available". This is a typical response as most school districts do not understand that students can "refuse" the tests with a code of "999". This does not impact the student, teacher, or school district. Simply insist that your child is NOT participating in NYS tests.
5.) Contact us if you experience any problems: nys.allies@gmail.com
The resources below will assist you along the way:
1.) Download a Test Refusal Letter:
English version: Click Here Spanish version: Click Here
2.) Email this letter to your child's principal, all your child's teachers, and the guidance counselor (if applicable). Copy the email to the superintendent and school board members.
Please Note: Some districts may require a hard copy.
3.) Call the principal one week later to confirm the procedure for your child on test day.
4.) Expect them to tell you that "no opt-out provision is available". This is a typical response as most school districts do not understand that students can "refuse" the tests with a code of "999". This does not impact the student, teacher, or school district. Simply insist that your child is NOT participating in NYS tests.
5.) Contact us if you experience any problems: nys.allies@gmail.com
The resources below will assist you along the way:
Video: NYS Refusal Boycotts explained in a straight forward manner. Created 2014.
Thank you to the team at Overit (overit.com) for this amazing video.
Director - Lawrence Basso Illustrator - Michael Hayes Voiceover - Tara Burnham Audio - John Delehanty & Sal DeTillio Special thanks - Scott Nadeau
script - Jess & Jamie McNair.
Thank you to the team at Overit (overit.com) for this amazing video.
Director - Lawrence Basso Illustrator - Michael Hayes Voiceover - Tara Burnham Audio - John Delehanty & Sal DeTillio Special thanks - Scott Nadeau
script - Jess & Jamie McNair.
Latino Parents Speaking Out Against Testing
1.) If My Child Refuses State Tests Will My School Lose Funding? Click here for NYSAPE's response to the funding threats and Click here for information from FairTest.org
There is much false information about this question. Click the link above to find out the truth.
2.) Letter Regarding Parental Right to Refuse
| letter_regarding_parental_right_to_refuse.doc |
3.) Guide to Refusal Policies
| guide_to_refusal_policies.pdf |
| nysape_sit_and_stare-verbal_refusal_advisory.pdf |
4.) FLYERS (English & Spanish) - Why Excessive Testing is Problematic - Give this flyer to parents to explain how excessive testing hurts their child.
Also, use this list of bullet points to compose your letters to your Senators, Assemblymen, and NYS Board of Regents members.
| englishedreformfacts.pdf |
| spanishedreformfacts.doc |
5.) School Administrator's Manual 2016 Edition, Grade 3-8 ELA and Math Click Here
6.) SIRS Manual 2016-2017 Click here
7.) Educator Guides to 2016 Grade 3-8 Tests Click here
Go to the bottom of the page for the guides.
8.) United Opt-Out National NYS Guide Click here
Go to the bottom of the page for the guides.
8.) United Opt-Out National NYS Guide Click here
9.) NYS Opt-Out Guide Including AIS (Academic Intervention Services) Information Click here
IMPORTANT information on AIS is available on page 11 of this document.
10.) Additional Resources here: http://www.nystoptesting.com/2014/01/opt-out-refusal-resources.html
IMPORTANT information on AIS is available on page 11 of this document.
10.) Additional Resources here: http://www.nystoptesting.com/2014/01/opt-out-refusal-resources.html
11.) Process to Fight 'Sit and Stare'
| sit_and_stare_procees.docx |
12.) "Sit and Stare" letter to Superintendent with sample Appeal by Petitioner
| sitandstare_letter_districts.docx |
13.) Appeal by Petitioner instructions for "Sit and Stare": http://www.counsel.nysed.gov/appeals/instruction
14.) Full and Complete Appeal by Petitioner
| sit_and_stare_petition_in_full.docx |
15.) "Sit and Stare" Press Release Against District
| sit_and_stare_sample_pr.docx |
16.) NYS United Teachers (NYSUT) Support Parental Right to Opt-Out and Condemn "Sit and Stare"
http://www.nysut.org/news/2014/february/nysut-strongly-condemns-sit-and-stare-policies
http://www.nysut.org/news/2014/february/nysut-strongly-condemns-sit-and-stare-policies
17.) Local Assessment Q and A
Get your questions answered regarding local assessments and how to refuse them.
http://www.nysape.org/local-assessment-qa.html
Get your questions answered regarding local assessments and how to refuse them.
http://www.nysape.org/local-assessment-qa.html
18.) TERMINOLOGY GUIDE - Use this as a guide to the numerous terms that are used in education today