A: Students may only be excused from the assessment for religious reasons.

Q: What if parents refuse to let their child take the PASA? How do districts deal with this?

A: After parents have reviewed the PASA, they may request that their child be excused from taking the assessment if they feel that it is in conflict with their religious beliefs. Districts must maintain documentation of these requests. Schools must inform parents that participation in the statewide assessment is a federal and state requirement.

Q: What should be done when attempting to conduct the assessment if a student is uncooperative and refuses to demonstrate the requested skill? What about a student who physically refuses or acts out during the assessment?

A: Attempts should be made to encourage the student to participate in the assessment by using behavioral supports, and continuing the assessment at another time. If refusals continue, despite all efforts, submit the video taped or narrative notes of whatever the student did demonstrate. Students can receive scores on the PASA with even minimal performance.

Q: Is there a way to indicate on the assessment protocol that the child refused?

A: Yes. You may indicate a child's response by using a "voice-over" on the tape or writing a statement on the narrative notes (for students not being videotaped).