Bill to Give Parents Choice to Opt Out of PARCC Approved by Assembly

TRENTON — Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Bob Andrzejczak allowing parents and guardian to exclude a student from taking the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) test being administered to students in grades 3-11 was approved Thurs. by the Assembly.
The bill (A-4165) is in response to the criticism and concern raised by parents and educators about the effectiveness of the new test and the impact it will have on students.
“No parent wants their child to take a test that is flawed, especially when it will be used for advanced placement and graduation,” said Andrzejczak (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). “Parents are the best advocates for their children. Until we can answer some of those persisting questions about what PARCC will and will not do, parents should be able to have their children abstain from the test.”
Under the opt-out bill, a student’s parent or guardian would have 14 days before the test is given to notify the school district or charter school, in writing, that the student will not be taking the test. Schools must alert parents of upcoming PARCC assessments by no later than Sept. 30.
Under the bill, a school district or charter school would be required to provide educationally appropriate alternative activities for students not taking the test. Any such alternative activity cannot occur in the same room where the test is being administered. Nothing in the bill is to be construed to exempt a student from any high school graduation requirement established under current law.
In addition to notifying parents about upcoming test dates, school districts and charter schools would be required to inform parents about the subject area of the test and the grade levels covered by the test, and the manner in which the test results will be used.
The bill was approved 72-0 and now awaits further consideration by the Senate.