To get to the opt out tools you need, click on the item below. START HERE:
Complete Opt Out Guide
Pocket Opt Out Guide
Complete Third Grade Opt Out Toolbox
Sample Opt Out Letters
VIDEO: How to Opt Out of a Computer Test
Posts On Opting Out During The Pandemic
Opting Out Of The FSA During A Pandemic
I’m Not Sending My Third Grader In For The FSA…Now What?
You told the school you’re opting out and you got a stern letter
What Does This Bully Letter Really Mean?
Helping younger kids to understand opting out
8 Yr Old Talks Test Prep
If I Didn’t Opt Out, I’d Be A Liar
It’s going to be Oh-Kaaayyy. Really.
If you or your child are being bullied or threatened with remediation or retention
Retention, Remediation or Poor Class Placement: What’s a parent to do?
Parents, YOU are the Boss… and you can say NO.
Keep Calm… And Get It In Writing
Why should you opt out?
“Valuable” Is NOT The Same As “Profitable”
We’re About Reclaiming Our Public Schools, Not Abandoning Them
What Teachers Want To Tell Parents… and Can’t
For students with IEP/504 accommodations for extra time:
Extra Time Is Not “Extra Sit and Stare Time”
Connect with your local opt out community for help and support
Find your local Opt Out group
Opt Out Orlando on Facebook is our statewide discussion hub. Join the conversation!
For the most current news on education and testing in Florida
The Opt Out Florida Network
REFERENCES
The Florida Statutes 1008.25 Public School Student Progression (Key passages highlighted)
FLDOE Promotion to Grade 4 Technical Assistance Paper
ARTICLES
Opt Out Orlando tackles testing, pushes for change – West Orange Observer (April 2016)
(Excellent factual coverage)
East County parents sign off on Opt Out movement – Your Observer (April 2016)
(Detailed information with links to resources)
Here’s How to Opt Your Kid Out of Florida Standardized Testing – Broward Palm Beach New Times (March 2016)
‘Opting out’ a strong backlash to overzealous standardized testing – Bradenton Herald (March 2016)
More FSA tests could not be scored in 2015 compared to FCAT last year – Orlando Sentinel (Oct 2015)
FCAT reading and third grade: Alert parents to portfolio option, lawmakers say – Orlando Sentinel (April 2014)
Opting out of FCAT is doable, but district discourages it – Baker County Press (March 2013) (See?… This proves that parents have been opting out for years now!)
Recommended Books
Gadfly on the Wall: A Public School Teacher Speaks Out on Racism and Reform – by Steven Singer – Review by Russ On Reading
What Fresh Hell – by Peter Greene, blogger at Curmudgugation
Reign of Error – By Diane Ravitch – Washington Post review
The Test: Why Our Schools are Obsessed with Standardized Testing–But You Don’t Have to Be – by Anya Kamenetz – NY Times review
The Schools Our Children Deserve- Moving Beyond Traditional Classrooms and “Tougher Standards” – By Alfie Kohn – NY Times review
Updated March 1, 2021
THE OPT OUT FLORIDA NETWORK 
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I want to opt out. How do i do this? I have emailed the principal, guidance counselor, and teachers. Ive tried to contact guidance counselor to no avail. The test start on the 9th. So am i out of time?
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No, It’s not too late, but you do need to read the guide or the pocket guide in the toolbox at the top of the page on the website. bit.ly/OptOutToolbox. The first 4 posts on the website will be most helpful to you now. Good luck! If you’re on Facebook, join us at Opt Out Orlando.
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