STEP 1: SUBMIT A REFUSAL LETTER TO THE PRINCIPAL & CLASSROOM TEACHER
*All letters updated for 2017 testing* 
Guidelines & VERSION1
VERSION 2
VERSION 3
VERSION 4
VERSION 5-math only
VERSION 6-supershort!
STEP 2: USUALLY THE SCHOOL WILL RESPOND WITH A LETTER STATING THERE IS NO PROVISION TO ‘OPT OUT’ OF NYS EXAMS. True. That’s why we are refusing tests! Over 230,000 students refused to participate last year. If you’re told opting out isn’t an option, you’re being lied to. This year schools are also attempting to appease parents by asserting that changes have been made and a flyer from the NYS Education Department is being circulated in the hopes that parents will be distracted and dissuaded. While there have been changes, the reality is as follows: the test and punish agenda continues and the best way to demand change is to continue to opt out of the flawed system.
REVIEW THIS GUIDE TO REFUSAL POLICIES
Depending on the response you receive from your school district, determine if you need to send a follow-up letter:
Follow-Up Letter 1 (request for school to share policy/procedure for refusals)
Follow-Up Letter 2 (request to change policy/procedure for refusals)
Follow-Up Letter 3 (restate your refusal-for a very uncooperative district)
STEP 3: CLARIFY TEST DAY ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL AND TEACHER. PREPARE YOUR CHILD Depending on your school’s policy/procedure, prepare your child for what will happen on test day. Be certain to keep in touch with your child’s teacher so that details are worked out in advance.
NEED HELP? We have answers & solutions!
1. Talk w/ thousands of others also refusing 2017 tests: 
Opt Out CNY on Facebook
chat with parents from CNY
NYS Refuse the Tests on Facebook
chat with parents from across NYS
2. email us at: november7rally@gmail.com
3. Check out our handouts:
Framework for Test Refusal
Frequently Asked Questions About Opting Out
2017 Flier
From Our Allies Across NYS:
refuseNY flyer
New York State Allies for Public Education
Refusing to Participate in NYS Grade 3-8 Testing is the best way for parents to let leaders in Albany know that recent education reforms are not in kids’ best interest. Refusing tests is not about hurting kids, teachers, or public schools. In fact, it is just the opposite. The ‘opt out’ movement sheds light on the false narrative of ‘failing public schools’ and advocates for the use authentic assessment so that all students’ needs are met. Thank you for stopping by to learn more about statewide efforts to bring back authentic teaching & learning to our classmates. OUR CHILDREN ARE MORE THAN A SCORE!
Opt Out CNY is an affiliate of New York State Allies for Public Education
Opt Out CNY 