Taking a timed weekly reading passage assessment, or working through rapid letter naming, is not the right option to build confidence and foster growth for all learners. This is particularly the case when a learner has dyslexia, ADHD, or experiences strong feelings and bouts of anxiety–in general, or in relation to reading.
Timed, frequent assessments can also be very challenging for students who have historically struggled in reading. This can mean struggles with decoding, spelling, and comprehension, but it can also mean struggles related to being assessed in reading.
In most districts, parents do have the right to opt out of the timed weekly reading assessments, even under Act 20. In most districts, however, this opt out needs to be done officially in writing. This is understandable; from the school perspective, if a child does not participate in the weekly assessments and there is no record of parents requesting it, it could be deemed as a violation of the law.
Before opting out of these assessments, it is a good idea to talk with a professional who knows your child to determine the best option for him/her.
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