Standardized Testing and Opt-Out/Refusal
For the 2022 administration of IAR, please use these resources from Illinois Families for Public Schools (ILFPS).
Additional Resources
Proctors should code “15” for refusal. From ISBE: Reason for No Valid Test Attempt (Applicable to IAR, SAT, PSAT 10, PSAT 8/9, and DLM-AA) -
Sample letter for LSCs on supporting opt out from the Drummond LSC (2017)
Detailed explanation of the testing transparency law from More Than A Score
Explanation of how schools and districts will not lose funding no matter how many students opt out from Fair Test: "Why You Can Boycott Standardized Tests Without Fear of Federal Penalties to Your School"
National Education Policy Center piece on the problems with computer/machine scoring of written/essay responses
Quick links: Opt-out materials
FAQs & Sample Letters: Opting Out of Spring 2022 IL State Tests [Multiple Languages] from IL Families for Public Schools.
Refusal cards for students to use: Print this sheet and have your child present a card at the start of every testing session; from ILFPS.
Opt out/refusal advice for anywhere in Illinois (This is dated 2020 and still relevant; from ILFPS.)