PSSA Opt-Out Information

Coatesville Area School District will begin testing for the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) begining on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 for students in grades 3 through 8.  

 

Please note that parents or guardians have the right to request that a student be exempted from the assessment.  According to state regulations, parents can preview the test and request to exempt their student from the assessment only if it conflicts with their religious beliefs.  The exemption request must be submitted in writing to the building principal two weeks prior to the start of the assessment.  Please see attached letter.

According to 2021PennsylvaniaPSSA Assessment Handbook, the protocol for parental request for exclusion from the assessment is as follows:

Parent sends letter to the building principal that you plan to opt out. 

SAMPLE LETTER:

Dear Principal,

Pursuant to Pennsylvania Code Title 22 Chapter 4, section 4.4 (d)(4) I am hereby exercising my right as a parent to have my child, [NAME], excused from PSSA testing because of religious beliefs.

Sincerely,

Parent reviews the test - Prior to each testing window, assessments will be available for review by parents and guardians. The assessment must be reviewed on district property and district personnel must be present at all times.

Parents and guardians must sign the Parent Confidentiality Agreement. Parents and guardians may not photocopy, write down, or in any other manner record any portion of the assessments, including directions. 

If after reviewing the test parents/guardians find the test to be in conflict with their religious beliefs and wish their student(s) to be excused from the test,the parents/guardians must provide a written request that states the objection to the Superintendent. 

SAMPLE LETTER: 

Dear Principal, 

On [Date] I had the opportunity to review the PSSA test and pursuant to Pennsylvania Code Title 22 Chapter 4, section 4.4 (d)(4) I am hereby exercising my right as a parent to have my child, [Name] excused from PSSA testing because of religious beliefs.   

Sincerely,

If the student is excused from the assessment due to parental or guardian request, school personnel must provide an alternative learning environment for the student during the assessment.

Reach out to CCAP if you have any questions or issues.