(Washington, DC)  --  Federal officials say Oregon and Washington are among 12 states that could be sanctioned unless they get more students to take state exams next spring.  The "Seattle Times" reports the participation rate in Washington is 91 percent, but 95 percent of students are required to take the state reading and math tests.  Oregon Governor Kate Brown signed a bill earlier this year, making it easier for parents to opt their children out of taking state standardized tests, but said educators and state officials should convince parents not to opt out.  The U.S. Department of Education has sent a warning letter to the 12 states, saying if little or nothing is done to raise participation rates, the states could be placed on high-risk status and possibly lose federal education funding.