GCE-AP: Opting Out of State & Federal Assessments

POLICY NOTICE DISSEMINATION

In accordance with federal law, at the beginning of the school year, the district shall provide notice of the right to request a copy of this policy to parents of students attending schools receiving Title I funds. The district will provide a copy of this policy to a requesting parent in a timely manner.

STATE ASSESSMENTS

Districts shall administer the required state assessments to all students in grades designated by law.

A student's parent may direct the school district in which the student is enrolled not to administer to the student any state test or state assessment required in accordance with NDCC 15.1-21-08. Each school district shall post the Department of Public Instruction’s Parental Directive form on its website and make the form available to a parent, upon request.

Parents must complete an individual form for each student and each assessment from which they wish to be exempt, as well as the school year in which they are requesting exemption. The form is to be completed each year by the parent in order for the student to be exempt in the current school year.

NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS

As a condition of receiving federal funds, the district participates in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). The National Assessment Governing Board has established a policy recommending a 95 percent participation rate among all students eligible to take the exam. For students classified as either English Learners or students with disabilities, the National Assessment Governing Board recommends an 85 percent participation rate. If the district sample falls below these goals, it shall be identified in NAEP reporting.

To help ensure that the district has a representative sample of students taking the NAEP, which will allow the district to assess the quality and effectiveness of its programming on a national level, the District strongly encourages all eligible students to participate. However, student participation in NAEP is voluntary. The district shall provide parents of eligible students with reasonable notice prior to the exam being administered and an opt-out form. This opt-out form must be returned to the district at least five school days prior to the exam date to ensure that the District is able to coordinate supervision and alternative activities for students who have opted out.

Adopted: 09/26/2017

Reviewed:

Revised: