Missouri bill guarantees opt-out ability for standardized tests
JEFFERSON CITY — A Missouri lawmaker believes some statewide standardized tests should come with an explicit opt-out option, and on Monday he presented a draft of a bill that would do just that.
House Bill 2315, sponsored by Rep. Kurt Bahr, R-St. Charles, would codify this right for statewide tests used to assess teachers and administrators, such as the Missouri Assessment Program, or MAP test. Normal course exams that are taken for the purpose of assessing students would not be affected.
Billie Wells, a Columbia mother with a child at Rock Bridge Elementary School, said standardized tests are helpful in evaluating a student's progress. But she was concerned about teachers' lack of control in determining how to best teach their students.
When it came to Bahr's bill, Wells was supportive.
"I like the proposal," she said. "I think it should be the parent's choice if they want their child to take the test or not."
At a public hearing Monday evening, Bahr presented the bill before the House Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education.
Several other states have already adopted similar laws. This particular bill’s language is being modeled after a proposal passed in Oregon, Bahr said.
In addition to the new opt-out requirement, Bahr’s bill would also mandate that school districts send a letter to parents informing them of the test's benefits. Included in that letter would be a form to opt-out of the exam.
"We’re educating the parents as to why this test has value, but we’re also allowing the parents to Missouri bill guarantees opt-out ability for standardized tests | State News | columbiamissourian.com:
Parents Can Opt Out - United Opt Out National
Click Here to go to United Opt Out National:
