Opt-Out Toolkit

KPREP is coming! The state will tell you you cannot LEGALLY opt your children out of high-stakes KPREP tests. But there are options they may not be telling you. Dear JCPS recommends parents and students wishing to follow the plan outlined below.

JCPS Student Lucy Roy-Bachman tells us how she plans to refuse KPREP. Be like Lucy.

https://www.facebook.com/DearJCPS/posts/4281268838564268

#1 – Notify your school administration.

Send a notice in writing (email is best) to the principal. If you would like for us to monitor your request and put you in contact with other parents doing the same, send a copy to moderator@dearjcps.com. Below are some examples you can follow:

Sample Opt-Out Letter #1 (Generic)
Sample Opt-Out Letter #2 (Mental Health)
Sample Opt-Out Letter #3 (Religious – General)
Sample Opt-Out Letter #4 ( Religious – Christian)

#2 – Like the Refuse KPREP Facebook Page. Join the Refuse KPREP Facebook Group.

#3 – Complete the survey.

#4 – Share your message on social media. Use hashtags #RefuseKPREP (KY specific) and #CancelTheTests (ties us in to NEA’s campaign)

#5 – Organize and empower other parents and students at your school(s). Call 502-565-8397 to learn how to get started.

#6 – Prepare for the backlash. Expect emails, home visits, pressure on your student, etc. in an attempt to bully you and your student(s) into compliance. The lower performing the school, the greater the pressure is likely to be.

#7 – Document everything. Notify proper authorities or agencies if yours or your student’s rights are violated.

#8 – Share your experiences with others by emailing documentation to moderator@dearjcps.com or posting in the DearJCPS Facebook Group.

#9 – Join the Refuse the Tests KY Facebook Group

#10 – Contact your lawmakers about supporting bills like HB579.

#11 – Keep your kids home on test days. If they threaten them with make-up tests, let us know.

#12 – Tell us how it went.

We will be providing resources and information about your other options once testing dates are announced. Join our email list to stay up-to-date on your students’ opt-out options.

Links:

KDE Attorney Opinion on Opt Out (from 2015)

State’s stance amid pandemic in 2020