Opt-out campaigns are gearing up nationwide for the spring. Butler should be no exception.

What is America objecting to so vehemently? The insanity of incessant, unnecessary and invasive test prepping and testing that is aligned to common core.

Not only are parents objecting to having their children subjected to the PSSA and Keystone tests but also to any classroom diagnostic testing, surveys, study island, etc. All are aligned to common core which dictates that a longitudinal data collection system be established on every child. Each child has a national ID number. This data is sent to Harrisburg, then to the federal government where it then can be sent to any third party that contracts with the federal government. Even the United Nation wants this data collected on our children.

Why is this information being shared with the federal government when schools in this country have always been controlled on a local level?

Not only does this data collection involve academic information, but the tests and surveys have embedded questions in them which collect data in the affective domain as well — your child’s belief system, values, attitudes, disposition, psychiatric information and family. This is being done in violation of state and federal policy.

We should protect our children’s privacy by opting out of these invasive intrusions into our children’s lives.

There are no negative consequences for the child for opting out. These tests have nothing to do with the child passing a course and colleges do not consider Keystones in any capacity for admittance.

Pursuant to Pennsylvania School Code Chapter 4 regulations, parents can opt their children out of all of the above, including test preps and remedial classes.

The process is not complicated as long as parents follow each step correctly.

If after reviewing the test, a parent states that the testing conflicts with their religious beliefs, the child will then be opted out and given an alternative learning environment during the assessment.

This request cannot be denied by the school or the state.

False information is circulating that the parent must identify the specific religious objection. This is simply not true.

The school must offer a convenient time for review, evening hours if necessary.

The Keystone is required for high school graduation starting 2017. There are bills in Harrisburg that hopefully will repeal this if we speak aggressively to our representatives.

The website parestoringeducation.org includes a very informative blog, optoutpa.blogspot.com that guides parents in this process.

Testing windows begin April 13 for grades 3 through 8. We should contact the school principals about our intentions to opt out of these ridiculous, invasive tests that serve only to stress our children and take valuable time away from actual classroom instruction.