Depending on the state, there is not much impact on the student. In the past, the standardized test scores could be used to determine remediation or placement, but recently this has been done away with for the most part in most states.
To protect your child: For many students, the Big Test can be very stressful. To improve education for all students: Opting out is an effective way to protest the overuse and misuse of standardized tests, which forces schools to focus on the demands of the tests instead of the needs of students.
It is reasonable to ask to be notified and to have the option to opt your child out of any surveys, lessons, readings, classroom presentations, or pedagogical practices that you feel violate your child's human dignity or your parental rights. Requests should be made in writing.
It could be as basic as: “I want to let you know we do not want our child, name, to take part in the name the standardized exam this year. Please arrange for him or her to have a productive educational experience during the testing period.”Some states or districts have specific forms.