Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/649572
What tests are we talking about? California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), a system of state-man- dated assessments. CAASPP includes the computer-based Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments in English-language arts and mathematics for grades 3-8 and 11, among others. Can parents opt out for their child? Yes. California Education Code allows a parent or guardian to submit a written request to school officials to exclude his or her child from any or all parts of state-mandated assessments (Ed Code Section 60615). A parent or guardian may annually submit a written request to the school to excuse their child from any or all parts of the CAASPP system for the school year (California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Section 852(c) ). What if a parent opts out aer CAASPP testing has already started? If the parent's request is submit- ted aer testing has begun, any completed tests will be scored and the results will be reported to the parent or guardian and included in the pupil's records. As a teacher, may I inform parents about their right to opt out? Yes. The California Code of Regulations states that a district and its employees may inform parents of the right to exempt their child from state-mandated assessments; however, the dis- trict and its employees may not solicit or encourage any written exemption (CCR, Title 5, Section 852(c) ). What is CTA's policy on standardized testing? CTA believes standardized tests can validly assess only a limited range of student learning. Therefore, they should be only an adjunct or supplement to information obtained through school- and classroom-based assessment by teachers. They are most useful when designed by educational professionals closest to the classroom and integrated with assessment information specific to local pro- grams. A standardized testing program must include a variety of developmentally appropriate assessment techniques that allow necessary accommo- dations, modifications and exemptions and are bias-free, reliable and valid. Parents' Right to Exempt a Child From Testing M A N Y E D U C A T O R S in California are unaware that parents and guardians have the right to opt out of state-mandated testing of their child. As a result, they don't inform parents of their rights and may unintentionally mislead students. For details, see cta.org/optout. 50 cta.org DOCTORAL Organizational Leadership (Ed.D.) (La Verne Campus) CREDENTIALS AND CERTIFICATES § Multiple and Single Subject § Administrative Services § CTEL § PPS: Educational Counseling § PPS: School Psychology § Mild/Moderate: Education Specialist § Reading and Language Arts § Child Life Specialist § New Learning Technology BACHELORS § Educational Studies (formerly Liberal Studies) § Child Development MASTERS § Educational Leadership § Educational Counseling § School Psychology § Special Education § Reading § Special Emphasis § Child Life § Child Development (also online) College of Education & Organizational Leadership 1950 Third Street La Verne, CA 91750 "La Verne provided the tools to make me an effective educator." WASC accredited, CCTC and CAEP approved. Programs offered at campuses throughout California. s Call: 877-GO-TO-ULV Email: degreeinfo@laverne.edu Visit: laverne.edu Natasha Burrell 7th Grade Honors Math Teacher