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How to Opt Out of the PSSA's
STEP 1: Parent sends letter to the building principal that you plan to opt out.
STEP 2: Parent reviews test at school.
STEP 3: Parent sends another letter stating that you have reviewed the test and are opting out for religious beliefs.
Please note that the only reason for opting out is religious beliefs and you do not need to provide any specific details as to what your religious beliefs are, just state "for religious beliefs". Also, letters can be mailed or emailed. I like emails because then you have record that it was sent.
STEP 1: Parent sends letter to the building principal that you plan to opt out.
SAMPLE LETTER:
Dear Superintendent,
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Code Title 22 Chapter 4, section 4.4 (d)(4) I am hereby exercising my right as a parent to have my child, [NAME], excused from PSSA testing because of religious beliefs.
Sincerely,
STEP 2: Parent reviews test at school.
Two weeks prior to the testing window, exams must be made available for review. School districts must provide a convenient time for the review. Parents will need sign the 'Parent Confidentiality Agreement' that simply states they will not share what is on the test with anyone.
STEP 3: Parent sends another letter stating that you have reviewed the test and are opting out for religious beliefs. This letter can be handed in at the time you review the PSSA.
SAMPLE LETTER:
Dear Superintendent,
On [Date] I had the opportunity to review the PSSA test and pursuant to Pennsylvania Code Title 22 Chapter 4, section 4.4 (d)(4) I am hereby exercising my right as a parent to have my child, [Name] excused from PSSA testing because of religious beliefs.
Sincerely,
Superintendent reviews the request and this request cannot be denied.
School personnel must provide an alternative learning environment for the student during the assessment and complete the “Non-Assessed Students” grid by selecting “Student had a parental request for exclusion from the assessment.”
Dear Superintendent,
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Code Title 22 Chapter 4, section 4.4 (d)(4) I am hereby exercising my right as a parent to have my child, [NAME], excused from PSSA testing because of religious beliefs.
Sincerely,
STEP 2: Parent reviews test at school.
Two weeks prior to the testing window, exams must be made available for review. School districts must provide a convenient time for the review. Parents will need sign the 'Parent Confidentiality Agreement' that simply states they will not share what is on the test with anyone.
STEP 3: Parent sends another letter stating that you have reviewed the test and are opting out for religious beliefs. This letter can be handed in at the time you review the PSSA.
SAMPLE LETTER:
Dear Superintendent,
On [Date] I had the opportunity to review the PSSA test and pursuant to Pennsylvania Code Title 22 Chapter 4, section 4.4 (d)(4) I am hereby exercising my right as a parent to have my child, [Name] excused from PSSA testing because of religious beliefs.
Sincerely,Superintendent reviews the request and this request cannot be denied.
School personnel must provide an alternative learning environment for the student during the assessment and complete the “Non-Assessed Students” grid by selecting “Student had a parental request for exclusion from the assessment.”
PSSA Opt Out - Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to explain my religious beliefs with specific questions from the PSSA test on my opt out letter?
No. A parent simply states "because of religious beliefs." Once a parent reviews the PSSA, this is all that needs to be included in the letter:
On [Date] I had the opportunity to review the PSSA test and pursuant to Pennsylvania Code Title 22 Chapter 4, section 4.4 (d)(4) I am hereby exercising my right as a parent to have my child, [Name] excused from PSSA testing because of religious beliefs.
Parents must sign a confidentiality agreement. If they state anything specific from the PSSA test, THEY WILL BREACH THE CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT. Parents cannot, by nature of the confidentiality agreement, write specifically what they oppose for religious reasons on the PSSA test.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education explains this, see page 4, question 10 at Chapter 4 FAQ.
So, as long as a parent or guardian reviews the state assessment and provides a written statement providing his/her written objection for religious purposes (however vague that objection may be), the child must be excused from the assessment. PDE will not provide an opinion as to what is a proper religious objection.
This false statement, and other similar false statements have been given to parents from their school districts:
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has made it clear that any objection to the testing materials for religious reasons must be specific in nature, must note the specific question or questions that are objectionable and the specific, religious reason for your objection. Please note a general statement of religious objection does not meet the intention of this review and will not be considered for possible exemption.
2. My child is opted out of the PSSA testing, what will they do while their classmates are taking the PSSA's?
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) on page 9 of the PSSA Handbook. :
If the student is excused from the assessment due to parental or guardian request, school personnel must provide an alternative learning environment for the student during the assessment and select “Student had a parental request for exclusion from the assessment."
3. When can I schedule to review the PSSA? My school district has offered limited hours which makes it difficult for me to schedule a time to review.
From page 9 of the 2015 PSSA Handbook for Assessment Coordinators:
Districts must provide a convenient time for the review. This may include an evening review time, if requested.
1. Do I need to explain my religious beliefs with specific questions from the PSSA test on my opt out letter?
No. A parent simply states "because of religious beliefs." Once a parent reviews the PSSA, this is all that needs to be included in the letter:
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) on page 9 of the PSSA Handbook. :
From page 9 of the 2015 PSSA Handbook for Assessment Coordinators:
No. A parent simply states "because of religious beliefs." Once a parent reviews the PSSA, this is all that needs to be included in the letter:
On [Date] I had the opportunity to review the PSSA test and pursuant to Pennsylvania Code Title 22 Chapter 4, section 4.4 (d)(4) I am hereby exercising my right as a parent to have my child, [Name] excused from PSSA testing because of religious beliefs.
Parents must sign a confidentiality agreement. If they state anything specific from the PSSA test, THEY WILL BREACH THE CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT. Parents cannot, by nature of the confidentiality agreement, write specifically what they oppose for religious reasons on the PSSA test.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education explains this, see page 4, question 10 at Chapter 4 FAQ.
This false statement, and other similar false statements have been given to parents from their school districts:The Pennsylvania Department of Education explains this, see page 4, question 10 at Chapter 4 FAQ.
So, as long as a parent or guardian reviews the state assessment and provides a written statement providing his/her written objection for religious purposes (however vague that objection may be), the child must be excused from the assessment. PDE will not provide an opinion as to what is a proper religious objection.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has made it clear that any objection to the testing materials for religious reasons must be specific in nature, must note the specific question or questions that are objectionable and the specific, religious reason for your objection. Please note a general statement of religious objection does not meet the intention of this review and will not be considered for possible exemption.2. My child is opted out of the PSSA testing, what will they do while their classmates are taking the PSSA's?
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) on page 9 of the PSSA Handbook. :
If the student is excused from the assessment due to parental or guardian request, school personnel must provide an alternative learning environment for the student during the assessment and select “Student had a parental request for exclusion from the assessment."3. When can I schedule to review the PSSA? My school district has offered limited hours which makes it difficult for me to schedule a time to review.
From page 9 of the 2015 PSSA Handbook for Assessment Coordinators:
Districts must provide a convenient time for the review. This may include an evening review time, if requested.
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