Policy

If, upon inspection of a state assessment, a parent/guardian finds the state assessment to be in conflict with their religious beliefs, the parent/guardian shall have the right to have their student excused from that state assessment, upon written request to the Superintendent stating the objection (Title 22; Sec. 4.4).
 
Directions:
A parent/guardian must complete the following steps when requesting their student(s) PA State Assessment Opt-Out Procedure:

1. The parent/guardian must schedule a meeting with principal and/or school assessment coordinator to review assessments;
2. The principal and/or school assessment coordinator must be present while the parent previews the exam;
3. The parent/guardian must sign the Pennsylvania Department of Education “Parent Confidentiality Agreement” prior to previewing the exam;
4. The parent/guardian may not use electronic devices while they are previewing the exam. They may not video the exam or take pictures of the exam.  The parent/guardian may not copy the exam or take notes while previewing the exam.
5. If a parent wishes to request a religious exemption after reviewing the state assessment, they must put a request in writing on the PDSD Pennsylvania State Assessment Opt-Out Process Form. You can request this form by contacting your students’ principal.