As a parent of a virtual education student in Minnesota, I am writing to urge your strong support for legislation that authorizes remote testing options for our children. The current requirement for in-person state-mandated testing imposes unnecessary burdens on families like ours and creates inequities for students who thrive in virtual learning environments.
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For many virtual students, traveling long distances to testing centers is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a significant barrier. Families must navigate time off work, childcare for siblings, and in some cases, overnight stays in hotels, all to comply with testing mandates. This is particularly challenging for families in rural areas, those with multiple children, and students with disabilities or health issues.
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Remote testing provides a fair, accessible, and secure alternative. It eliminates logistical and geographical hurdles, allowing students to test in the environment where they learn best. Research has shown that virtual students perform better academically when tested in their usual learning settings. Furthermore, remote testing is already standard practice for high- stakes exams like the LSAT, GRE, and Praxis tests, proving its efficacy and security.
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Teachers also benefit from remote testing, as it reduces the time they spend traveling to proctor exams, allowing them to focus on instruction. This means fewer lost teaching days and a more consistent learning experience for all students.
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I believe that Minnesota should join the growing number of states that recognize the importance of adapting testing models to meet the needs of today’s students. By authorizing remote testing, you will be supporting equitable education practices that acknowledge the diverse ways students learn and succeed.
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I respectfully ask for your support of remote testing legislation to ensure that Minnesota’s virtual students are given a fair and supportive testing environment. Thank you for your consideration.