Last month, Gerard Beleckas, Lynbrook’s assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and assessment, outlined a tentative district plan for testing days that would have allowed students to who opt out of the exams to come into school in the afternoon — when testing has been completed for the day — simply refuse the test and return to class. But students who showed up in the morning were to be expected to sit for the assessment, although not actually complete it. Administrators amended the plan after receiving guidance from the State Education Department in between the February and March meetings and hearing feedback from parents.

The district will record students who do not participate in the tests as “not tested” to the state, Burak said, citing SED policy. “The school district will honor a family decision to have their child not participate in the state tests,” she added.

Parents may either mail a letter or send an email to request their child or children not take the tests. However, whether a student is planning on taking the tests or not, Burak said all children should bring a book on testing days. “This will provide all children the opportunity to engage in reading whether they have completed the test or are not participating in the state tests,” she said.

There was a short applause break at the conclusion of Burak’s statement. Jennifer Hinderstein, a Waverly Park Elementary School parent, said she appreciated the decision that was ultimately made and thanked administrators and board members for “giving our children the opportunity to partake in the school day and not have to stay home the day of the tests because we are opting them out.”

Centre Avenue Elementary School PTA Vice President Michelle Gamache has been vocal about her disapproval of the state tests and attended the East Rockaway forum. Her son is currently a second grader, but Gamache said she plans on opting him out next year. For now though, Gamache said she and other parents are happy with the district’s policy regarding non-testing students.

“What we’ve asked for as parents is [the district] respect our decision to refuse the tests for our children,” she said. “They understand where we’re coming from.”