Assemblyman Curran Supports Parents' Right to Opt Children Out of State Testing

“As today marks the start of state testing in our schools, it is my strong belief that every parent has the absolute right to decide what is in the best interest of their child, including opting them out of burdensome and unnecessary state mandated testing. Parents on Long Island and across New York State have spoken loud and clear in the past two years that the testing is now having an adverse effect on their children – the number of ‘opt-outs’ speak for themselves. Nearly 20 percent of parents have opted their children out of the testing statewide, according to a recent article and 30 of Nassau County’s school districts were among the highest opt-out rates in the state. I believe we will, again, witness high opt-out rates this year in Rockville Centre, Baldwin and Freeport due to parents’ concerns with over testing. Parents should know they have the right to do so and our school districts must ensure that our parents are made aware of that right. With high opt-out rates expected once again, it is clear that more work is needed at the state level to address this issue once and for all.”

Assemblyman Curran represents the 21st District consisting of parts Nassau County. For more information, please visit Assemblyman Curran’s Official Website.