K12 Public School and Opting-out of State Tests

[Lineymom]

Does anyone here know, or know of a different place I could find out about anyone having success opting out of standardized tests while in a public virtual school.

We have been in a k12 school for 3 years now and like most aspects of it, except the test requirements and prep.  I have been ignoring most of test prep.  I am thinking of opting out of the tests as people with kids in regular public schools are doing.  I really don't want to get kicked out, so was hoping to find success stories.  I found one terribly bad story from SC, but that is all.

[stormborn]

A k12 student would be legally enrolled in public school, right? So the right to opt out would apply equally, I believe. What state are you in?

[Lineymom]

Arkansas

[thefragile7393]

how does one opt out?

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[lalovelady]

I know there are various reasons why people want to opt out of state testing. And I do agree that they are really not a good guide as to how our children are doing. I think they are a waste of time and hate that many schools teach to the test. So, with that said, I also think it is a good exercise for the students. I like the test preparation the kids do to learn how better to take a test even though it is kind of redundant to do it every year but then we know that some kids were new that year and it's not always a bad thing for the kids to be reminded of. I always felt that my children needed to learn to take tests and the State testing was a good practice for them for the upcoming SAT/ACT and testing to get into college and at college. I did not put extra focus on it at all and made it fun for them. We went for ice cream or out to eat afterwards. They loved doing something different and being with classmates. I think many times its the parents that put the pressure on the kids and make it a bigger deal than it needs to be. Again, I think it is a shame that there is soooo much emphasis put on it by the schools because their future depends on how the kids do.
 

[mata]

We're in California, where parents have the right to opt out. I asked our school if they comply with that code, and was told in writing yes (I kept a copy of that.) My husband and I sent in an exemption form-certified mail-to the principal and our teacher. Last week was testing and I'm assuming everything is fine, because we haven't been locked out of classes. ;)

I also heard stories where people were locked out, etc.-but as best as I can tell they didn't send in an exemption and just didn't show up. It would make sense that if public school parents have that right, we should as well.