This is the opt-out letter we wrote for our son. I sent it to the principal of my son's middle school asking that he be dismissed from the Smarter Balanced test, explaining our reasoning, and attempting to build common cause in a struggle for a larger purpose for education. While this letter is deeply personal to me and describes a lot of the very specific reasons why my son won't be taking these tests, I encourage you to meditate on your own children's beautiful qualities and then write your own opt-out letter to your school principal.