Student Assessment Transparency

Student Assessment Transparency

As a parent of a student in the Oxford School District, you have the right to request information regarding any state or LEA policy on student participation in required assessments, including parental rights to opt-out when applicable.  The Oxford School District follows the procedures below and the Miss. Code Ann.37-16-1; 37-16-3 (2); and 37-16-5.

Mississippi law mandates that “basic skills test shall be completed by each student” and “in the event of excused or unexcused absences, make-up tests be given” [Mississippi Code Section 37-16-3(2)]. Whereas state law requires every school district within the state to “periodically assess student performance and achievement in each school” (Mississippi Code Section 37-16-5), student assessment is therefore not an option in the Oxford School District, but rather a requirement.

The Oxford School District is required to develop procedures for students who arrive on campus on testing days whose parents refuse to allow the students to take state test. At a minimum, such procedures shall include:

  1. Ensuring students “opting out” of testing do not disrupt the administration of state test; 
  2. Documenting the names grades, and actual assessments for students who refuse to be tested; and 
  3. Providing a safe and orderly environment for all students in attendance each day. The school district is not required to provide alternative activities on testing days for students whose parents refuse to allow their children to take state test.