It's the latest chapter in the long-running controversy surrounding standardized testing, and in this case, it's a question of tone.
This week, the Oregon Department of Education released its official ‘opt-out' forms, ahead of the February 2016 statewide testing session.
The forms are the result of a new law, passed over the summer, allowing parents who don't want their child to take the test, to excuse them from the process.
Much of the two-page document is devoted to what, some argue, are the benefits of standardized testing, saying the exams "act as a snapshot of your child's progress" and "help identify schools and districts that need additional supports".
But it's the bold black clause, located above the signature line that's causing most of the controversy.
It reads:
"I understand that by signing this form I may lose valuable information about how well my child is progressing in English Language Arts and Math. In addition, opting out may impact my school and district's efforts to equitably distribute resources and support student learning."
"It's worded a bit manipulatively," said father Avi Brown.
"It's kind of like a guilt trip," said Nancy Slavin.
Testing critic and longtime Portland Public School Board member Steve Buel's description is a little stronger.
"I call it ‘maliciously misleading' because I think they did it on purpose," he said.
Buel also helped found ‘Oregon Save Our Schools', which lobbied for HB 2655, the bill that now guarantees a parent's right to opt out.
"There's no information you can use from these tests that a teacher can use or that a parent can use to help their child or that a child can use to help themselves. It doesn't exist," he said. "In the long run, if the ‘opt out' movement was successful, it would be good for your child and good for our schools."
His theory is a common one among standardized testing critics nationwide. They argue teachers devote too much time and are under too much pressure, preparing for these tests.
It's a routine which Buel believes, keeps kids from learning.
Districts are required to send out the waivers at least 30 days before testing begins.
They are not allowed to alter them in any way.
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