Middle School and High School science testing information

Dear 8th Grade RPA Families,

We are reaching out to notify you of some recent changes to the way we conduct state testing at RPA. For the 2019-2020, all 8th grade students will be required to complete Oregon’s Statewide Science Assessments (OSAS). The computer-based OSAS measures students’ knowledge of the Next Generation Science Standards.

You should have recently received an Opt Out Form for the English Language Arts and Math state tests. This is because Oregon House Bill 2655 permits parents to annually opt-out of Oregon’s state-wide summative tests in English Language Arts and Math. However, for the OSAS, Oregon Administrative Rule  581-021-0009 only allows parents to exempt students from science testing based on disability or religion. Unlike the opt-out process for Math and ELA, parent requests for exemption for science testing must satisfy the following conditions:

• Be submitted in writing to RPA using the attached form
• Include reasons for request (disability or religion)
• Propose an alternative learning activity for the student
• Is subject to school and district review and determination whether to approve

If you want to request an exemption based on disability or religion for the OSAS, please complete the attached form and return it to our office. Should you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us.

RPA appreciates your support of our students and our school, and we will support and respect the decisions you make regarding this matter.

We Are One.

Amy Kappel

Middle School Director

Dear 11th Grade RPA Families,

We are reaching out to notify you of some recent changes to the way we conduct state testing at RPA. For 2019-2020, all 11th-grade students will be required to complete Oregon’s Statewide Science Assessments (OSAS). The computer-based OSAS measures students’ knowledge of the Next Generation Science Standards.

You should have recently received an Opt-Out Form for the English Language Arts and Math state tests. This is because Oregon House Bill 2655 permits parents to annually opt-out of Oregon’s statewide summative tests in English Language Arts and Math. However, for the OSAS, Oregon Administrative Rule  581-021-0009 only allows parents to exempt students from science testing based on disability or religion. Unlike the opt-out process for Math and ELA, parent requests for the exemption for science testing must satisfy the following conditions:

• Be submitted in writing to RPA using the attached form
• Include reasons for request (disability or religion)
• Propose an alternative learning activity for the student
• Is subject to school and district review and determination whether to approve

If you want to request an exemption based on disability or religion for the OSAS, please complete the attached form and return it to our office. Should you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us.

RPA appreciates your support of our students and our school, and we will support and respect the decisions you make regarding this matter.

We Are One.

Sten Swanston

High School Director