Opting Out of Statewide Math and English Language Arts (ELA) Assessments

ORS 329.479 establishes a Student Assessment Bill of Rights permitting parents or adult students to annually opt-out of statewide summative assessments in English language arts and Mathematics - including ORExt ELA  ORExt MA. In addition, ORS 329.479 requires school districts and public charter schools to provide supervised study time for students who opt-out of testing. The bill also reiterates current Essential Skills policy and graduation requirements, in that a student who opts out of testing may not be denied a diploma if they are able to satisfy all other diploma requirements. Students who do opt-out of the ELA and Mathematics state tests, however, still need to meet the Essential Skills graduation requirement using another approved assessment option.        

Senate Bill 774 Update – Members of The Graduating Classes Of 2022, 2023, and 2024 – Temporary Change In Graduation Requirements

Senate Bill 744 suspends essential skills testing for members of the graduating classes of 2022, 2023, and 2024.  Students do not need to demonstrate essential skills to graduate until class of 2025.

Parent Request form for Opting Out of Oregon Summative Assessments (ELA and Math)

30-Day Notice and ELA/Math Opt-out Form (grades 3-8 & 11) 

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Parent Requested Exemptions for Kindergarten, Science, Social Science and English Language Proficiency (ELPA) Assessments

For all other statewide assessments (OSAS Online Science and Social Sciences, ELPA Summative, the Kindergarten Assessment, and the ORExt Science Assessment), parents may request that their student be exempted from state testing based on either disability or religion. OAR 581-021-0009 allows school districts to excuse students from a state required program or learning activity, including state testing, to accommodate a student’s disabilities or religious beliefs. In order for a school district to excuse a student from testing under this rule, the student’s parent must submit a written request to the school district, listing the reasons for the request and proposing an alternative individualized learning activity for the student that meets the same goals that would be accomplished by participation in state testing. Appropriate school personnel must evaluate and approve the parent request.

 Parent Assessment Exemption Request Form

 Formulario de Solicitud de Exención de Evaluación para Padres - Español

Exemption guidelines must satisfy the following conditions:
         • Download, complete and submit the  Parent Exemption Request Form to school principal
         • Include reasons for request (disability or religion)
         • Propose an alternative learning activity for the student
         • Is subject to district review and approval