The state won’t penalize school districts if large numbers of students skip this year’s state test, state Superintendent Richard Ross announced Tuesday.
An ever-growing number of parents are pulling their kids out of new state tests this year, as the state dramatically increases testing time and changes test providers. This year Ohio is seeing its first state tests using the new multi-state Common Core learning standards.
An exact number of students is not yet available, according to the Ohio Department of Education.
Ross’ announcement comes as states across the country sort out how to handle schools where students and parents refuse to take the test. Just last week, Chris Minnich, the head of the national council of state superintendents urged parents to participate.
In a letter to districts, Ross said that many districts have asked about financial repercussions from opt-outs. He said state law forbids the state from funding a student next year who does not take state tests this year.
But Ross said he will issue a waiver for non-tested students, just as he has for smaller numbers in the past. He reminded districts that they may lose federal funding, depending on grant requirements.
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