Bill would let New Jersey parents opt out of tests

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- Parents might be able to allow their children to opt out of taking standardized tests in New Jersey schools.

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The state Assembly on Thursday voted to approve a bill that would require schools to accommodate those children.

Under the bill, parents would have 14 days before the test is administered to notify the school that their children will not be taking it. The school would be required to provide those students with "educationally appropriate" alternatives in another room.

“If a parent feels strongly that their child should not participate then we should give them the opportunity to do that. I do not believe it’s going to be a large population. I think as time goes along less and less parents will opt out, but they should be given that opportunity," said Assembly Education Committee Chairman Pat Diegnan (D-South Plainfield), a co-sponsor of the bill. “Parents should be given the opportunity to make educational decisions for their children and that’s what this bill is doing.”

The issue arose after parents and students raised concerns about the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers exam.

The bill now heads to the state Senate, which must pass it before sending it to Gov. Chris Christie's desk.