Assessment Exemptions

NOTE: The guidance document and forms 1 and 3 have been updated for 2019-20.

Guidance Documents:

• RISAP Test Coordinator Handbook for 2019-20 (pdf): Information on how to submit a exemption request begins in Appendix G: Requesting Medical Exemptions from Statewide Assessments, page 42. This section explains the criteria a student's situation should meet in order to receive an exemption from statewide testing, the steps districts and schools must take to complete an exemption, and directions for entering the exemption request into the eRIDE system. 
• Below are downloadable copies of each form you will need in order to complete the request. These forms are also included in Appendix G of the RISAP Test Coordinator Handbook.

Individual Forms:

• Form 1: District Assurances (pdf): This form must be completed and signed by the superintendent of the district where the student is enrolled. Keep on file at the district office and fax to RIDE at 401-222-3605.
  • Portuguese version of Form 1 (pdf)
  • Spanish version of Form 1 (pdf)
• Form 2: Parent Forms (pdf). The parent or guardian of the student must sign this form and submit it to the school or district office. Keep on file at the district office; do not fax to RIDE.
  • Portuguese version of Form 2 (pdf)
  • Spanish version of Form 2 (pdf)
• Form 3: Treating Physician/Mental Health Professional Form (pdf): This form must be signed by the physician or mental health professional who is treating the student. Keep on file at the district office; do not fax to RIDE.
  • Portuguese version of Form 3 (pdf)
  • Spanish version of Form 3 (pdf)

NOTE: The online testing platforms may allow for schools to enter "not tested" codes, such as a medical or other  exemption type. RIDE does not consider these approved exemptions. The only way to receive an approved exemption from testing is to complete the process outlined in the Medical Exemption Guidance document.

In addition to completing the forms and faxing Form 1 to RIDE, districts must enter the exemption request into the State Assessment Exemption Requests application in order for the request to be considered for approval.

• Instructions for entering the exemption request into the State Assessment Exemption Requests application in eRIDE can be found in Appendix G (page 42) of the RISAP Test Coordinator Handbook. 
• Link to log into eRIDE: www.eride.ri.gov/login_secure.asp.

NOTE:

• Outplacement schools cannot enter exemption requests into eRIDE. The sending district must complete the request in eRIDE, sign Form 1 and fax it to RIDE at 401-222-3605.
• The superintendent's office has access to the State Assessment Exemption Requests application in eRIDE. Principals and other school administrators do not.

In order for an exemption request to be considered complete, Form 1 must be received by RIDE and the request must be entered into the State Assessment Exemption Requests application in eRIDE. The due dates for completing medical exemption requests are listed below.Please see the other tabs for information on completing a request. 

Due dates for completing medical exemption requests:

• Friday, February 28, 2020*: ACCESS for ELLs and Alternate ACCESS for ELLs
  • The eRIDE State Assessment Exemption Requests application is o
• Friday, June 5, 2020**:
  • DLM alternate assessments (ELA, mathematics, science)
  • PSAT10
  • SAT
  • RICAS (ELA and mathematics)
  • NGSA

NOTES: The online testing platforms may allow for schools to enter "not tested" codes, such as a medical or other approved exemption. RIDE does not consider these approved exemptions. The only way to receive an approved exemption from testing is to complete the process outlined in the RISAP Test Coordinator Handbook.

*ACCESS: The State Assessment Exemption Request application in eRIDE is available now for districts to submit requests and will be locked at the end of the day on February 28, 2020. Form 1 can be faxed any time before the end of the day on February 28, 2020.

**All other state assessments: The State Assessment Exemption Request application in eRIDE will be open on April 6, 2020 for districts to submit requests and will be locked at the end of the day on June 5, 2020. Form 1 can be faxed any time before the end of the day on June 5, 2020.

Outplacement schools are responsible for the following:

• Ensuring the request meets the criteria for a medical exemption
• Communicating to the sending district the reason a medical exemption should be requested
• Completing Forms 2 and 3 (the parent and physician/mental health professional forms).
• Ensuring the sending district has copies of Forms 2 and 3. The outplacement school should keep the original copies

Sending districts are responsible for the following:

• Reviewing the reason for the request to ensure it meets the criteria for a medical exemption
• Discussing the reason for the request with the outplacement school.
• Reviewing Forms 2 and 3
• Completing and faxing Form 1 to RIDE at 401-222-3605
• Entering the request into the Statewide Assessment Requests application on eRIDE.
• Answering any questions RIDE may have about the request.