Hello Creswell School District Families,

For the 2021-22 school year, state testing has returned to a mostly “normal” (pre-COVID) format. In accordance with federal and state accountability requirements, Oregon public schools annually test students in English language arts and math in grades 3-8 & 11 and science in grades 5, 8, & 11. These summative assessments, also known as assessments of learning, are given toward the end of the academic year to gather and report evidence of what was learned and evaluate student performance against specific content standards.

Teachers and administrators use state tests, work samples, and other forms of assessments to measure how well students are learning and determine how to best support them moving forward. Quality assessments offer meaningful feedback and actionable data that educators can use to help students succeed; results also provide information used to inform a broad range of decisions at the classroom, district, and state level.

In the coming weeks, each CSD school will provide families with specific testing windows for all Creswell students. This also includes students who are accessing online modes of education.

Under Oregon law, a parent or adult student may opt out of Oregon’s summative statewide assessments of math and language arts for any reason by submitting a form provided each year by the Oregon Department of Education. Should you wish to opt out your student, complete the 2021-2022 Opt-Out form, available at the link below or from the school district website, and submit it to your child’s school.

2021-2022 State Testing Notice and Opt-out form (English / Español)

For science assessments, a WRITTEN REQUEST to opt out on the basis of accommodating a student’s disability or religious beliefs must be submitted.

While opting out is an option, we do encourage student participation in these summative tests. A student’s scores have no consequences for their grades, credits, or advancement to the next grade, although they may be used to inform appropriate course placement. Assessments are an integral part of education in our state and all public schools in the U.S. are required to assess student learning and report participation and results.

If you would like more information about state assessments, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly or reach out to your child’s principal. We will be glad to answer any questions you may have.

Kind regards,

Amy Aguero
Director of Student Services