FARMINGTON – Parents and students who attend Farmington Municipal Schools along with other schools in New Mexico will have their choice about whether to take any of the state standardized tests this school year.

Farmington Municipal Schools spokeswoman Renee Lucero said parents were sent information about the optional testing, which is also available on the school’s website.

According to its website, the New Mexico Public Education Department handed over the reins to school districts to determine what each district’s standardized testing would look like.

Farmington Municipal School officials decided it would be better for the testing to be offered on an optional basis.

That does not include testing that is done in the classroom throughout the year and generally takes place at the end of a learning unit.

For students who opt to take the tests, the school district said there are safety measures in place that include sanitizing all testing materials and spacing students out more. Those who want to take a standardized test should have informed their guidance counselor by Wednesday.

According to the New Mexico Public Education Department, those who made the decision to not test will not be penalized and the students will not be negatively affected in any way.

Advanced Placement, or AP, exams will also be offered this year.

mmitchell@durangoherald.com