For STUDENTS who wish to Refuse Standardized Testing:
IMPORTANT: Make sure you have your parent's blessing and permission before attempting to refuse a test; that is extremely important. They are your strongest advocate and want what's best for you. You should respect their authority. Trust us on this one. You and your parents should research how refusing to test could affect your report card. This could, potentially, harm your future opportunities if the test is a significant portion of your grade and GPA. Discuss this with your parents and make an informed decision together. Seriously, your parents are key to this. And remember, this is just for standardized testing and benchmarking, it won't get you out of tests from your teachers.
If your parents approve of you refusing to take the test,
Here is what you can do...
Put it on Paper: Have a letter or (click HERE for a form) with your parent's signature stating that you are refusing the test. Before the test, give a copy of your signed refusal to your teachers and principal. It is also a good idea to keep a signed copy with you just in case there is a substitute teacher or new test administrator that day.
On test day (if you are at school): Before the test starts, raise your hand and clearly announce (don't yell) to the testing administrator that you refuse to take the test. Do not log in to the computer. Do not even push a button. (or if your test is on paper: Do not answer any questions, not even your name). Doing so could affect your grade or teacher's evaluation. Do not be disrespectful about your refusal. Use your manners at all times.
Be strong and have infinite patience: These TNReady testing windows are uber-long, nearly a month each. You may be offered the test every single day of the testing window. The RTI Screener and Benchmark tests may have long testing windows, too. Be prepared so you aren't caught off guard.
If a teacher or administrator tries to force, embarrass, or cajole you into testing:
Do not lose your temper.
Do not over-react.
Stay calm no matter what.
Know that they cannot legally or physically force you to answer test questions.
If they keep insisting you take the test, ask to call your parents. If they refuse to allow you to call your parents, tell them you don't want to disobey your parents by taking the test, and you need to talk to them first. Do not test. Just sit and stare at the test without being a disturbance to anyone else in the room. Then, tell your parents what happened when you get home.
What to do during the test:
What NOT to do during the test:
Good luck, brave student! After it is over, would you and your parents please let Momma Bears know how your experience was? You can fill out a quick survey anonymously at this link (bottom of the page). We might be able to use your experience to help others who are in the same boat. Thanks!
If your parents approve of you refusing to take the test,
Here is what you can do...
Put it on Paper: Have a letter or (click HERE for a form) with your parent's signature stating that you are refusing the test. Before the test, give a copy of your signed refusal to your teachers and principal. It is also a good idea to keep a signed copy with you just in case there is a substitute teacher or new test administrator that day.
On test day (if you are at school): Before the test starts, raise your hand and clearly announce (don't yell) to the testing administrator that you refuse to take the test. Do not log in to the computer. Do not even push a button. (or if your test is on paper: Do not answer any questions, not even your name). Doing so could affect your grade or teacher's evaluation. Do not be disrespectful about your refusal. Use your manners at all times.
Be strong and have infinite patience: These TNReady testing windows are uber-long, nearly a month each. You may be offered the test every single day of the testing window. The RTI Screener and Benchmark tests may have long testing windows, too. Be prepared so you aren't caught off guard.
If a teacher or administrator tries to force, embarrass, or cajole you into testing:
Do not lose your temper.
Do not over-react.
Stay calm no matter what.
Know that they cannot legally or physically force you to answer test questions.
If they keep insisting you take the test, ask to call your parents. If they refuse to allow you to call your parents, tell them you don't want to disobey your parents by taking the test, and you need to talk to them first. Do not test. Just sit and stare at the test without being a disturbance to anyone else in the room. Then, tell your parents what happened when you get home.
What to do during the test:
- #1 choice of most teenagers: Sleep!
- Ask if you may read or work on a school assignment
- If you have scratch paper: Doodle, write poems or song lyrics, create a cartoon, write a letter to the Governor about pointless tests, make a to-do list, write out goals for your life, write a college entrance essay, or write a business plan to take over the world, etc.
- Think about what you are going to have for lunch
- If there's a clock you can see: Time how long you can go without blinking, without breathing (don't pass out, but that's one way to get out of the test! Ha!!)
What NOT to do during the test:
- Do not be a distraction to others
- Do not get mad at your teacher or administrator, they are just doing their jobs
- Do not make funny sounds
- Do not take off your shoes
- Do not have a bad attitude
- Do not be disrespectful or get yourself into trouble
- Do not play with your cell phone
- Do not look at other student's tests (so you don't get accused of cheating)
- Do not touch the keyboard, doing so might activate the test.
- Do not mark anything on your testing scantron or booklet.
Good luck, brave student! After it is over, would you and your parents please let Momma Bears know how your experience was? You can fill out a quick survey anonymously at this link (bottom of the page). We might be able to use your experience to help others who are in the same boat. Thanks!
