IMPORTANT NOTICE

The material shown herein is presented to inform and education parents about the
Pennsylvania Opt Out process for PSSA and Keystone exams. Opting Out is a family
decision surrounding the needs of the parent and child.
Specific details to Opt Out of PSSA and Keystone exams are shown below. The process includes
submitting letters to Superintendents and/or principals indicating your intention to review the tests
and subsequently request an Opt Out. Be certain that when you submit your letters that you get a
confirmation of receipt. If you email your letters ask for a confirmation of receipt. Save your emails.
The information below has been extracted from the trusted blog: http://optoutpa.blogspot.com/
This blog contains other valuable information about ALL aspects on opting out including
Opt Out Local Assessments
Keystone Grad Requirement Bills (SEE NOTE)
Back to School Parents: Opt Out
How to Opt Out of the PSSA
PSSA Opt Out FAQ
Test Prep - CDT's and Study Island
Opt Out Letters
How to Opt Out of Specific Instruction
How to Opt Out of the Keystone Exams
Keystone Exams - Cut Scores Exposed
PBA Refusal
Opt Out with IEP
Evidence PA Core Standards Are Failing Students
Keystone Exams are Sabotaging Students Education
NOTE: Keystone Grad Requirement Bills; SB880 was signed into law February 3, 2016. This law delays
the Keystone proficiency requirement as a condition of graduation for two years from 2017 to 2019.
Also, other aspects covered in this section may not be current due to the dynamics of the ever changing
legislative agenda.
Be advised that all students can Opt Out of the PSSA exams WITHOUT penalty or ramification. On the
other hand, Opting Out of the Keystone exams is a parent/child decision since there could be
consequences in Opting Out due to the Keystone graduation requirement. Beware of any district
bullying. Some districts take offense to a parents intent to opt out.
PARENTS, DO NOT BE INTIMIDATED!

Details: How to Opt Out of the PSSA Exam

Section 4.4 of Title 22, Chapter 4 provides for the rights of parents to excuse their child from the PSSA
testing if they find the assessment to be in conflict with their religious beliefs. It is important to note
that no religious affiliation or discussion is required to be shared with the school district, simply state
that you are opting out based on "religious beliefs".
STEP 1:
Parent request in writing to the building principal to review exam within two weeks of exam.

SAMPLE LETTER:
Dear Superintendent,
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,
Two weeks prior to the testing window, exams must be made available for review. School districts must
provide a convenient time for the review. Parents will need sign the Parent Confidentiality Agreement that
simply states they will not share what is on the test with anyone. This is one reason why the district cannot ask
the parent to be specific with the religious reason why the request to Opt Out. In order to answer why, the
parent would have to state what language in the test violates the parents religious belief. By doing so, the
parent will violate the Parent Confidentiality Agreement.

STEP 2:
Parent reviews test at school.

STEP 3:
Parent provides written request to be excused from test to the Superintendent. This letter can be worded the
same as first letter but include a statement that you reviewed the exam.

SAMPLE LETTER:
Dear Superintendent,
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,

STEP 4:
Superintendent reviews the request - this request CANNOT be denied.
School personnel must provide an alternative learning environment for the student during the assessment and
complete the Non-Assessed Students grid by selecting Student had a parental request for exclusion from the
assessment.

Details: How to Opt Out of the Keystone Exams

Section 4.4 of Title 22, Chapter 4 provides for the rights of parents to excuse their child from the
Keystone testing if they find the assessment to be in conflict with their religious beliefs. It is
important to note that no religious affiliation or discussion is required to be shared with the school
district, simply state that you are opting out based on "religious beliefs".
STEP 1:
Parent request in writing to the building principal to review exam within two weeks of exam.
SAMPLE LETTER:
Dear Superintendent,
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 Keystone testing because of religious beliefs.
Sincerely,
Two weeks prior to the testing window, exams must be made available for review. School districts must
provide a convenient time for the review. Parents will need sign the Parent Confidentiality Agreement that
simply states they will not share what is on the test with anyone. This is one reason why the district cannot ask
the parent to be specific with the religious reason why the request to Opt Out. In order to answer why, the
parent would have to state what language in the test violates the parents religious belief. By doing so, the
parent will violate the Parent Confidentiality Agreement.

STEP 2:
Parent reviews test at school.

STEP 3:
Parent provides written request to be excused from test to the Superintendent. This letter can be worded the
same as first letter but include a statement that you reviewed the exam.
SAMPLE LETTER:
Dear Superintendent,
On [Date] I had the opportunity to review the Keystone exam 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
Keystone testing because of religious beliefs.
Sincerely,

STEP 4:
Superintendent reviews the request - this request CANNOT be denied.
School personnel must provide an alternative learning environment for the student during the assessment and
complete the Non-Assessed Students grid by selecting Student had a parental request for exclusion from the
assessment.