![New Common Core Tests to Cost Montana $2 Million, $27 Per Student More.](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2014/10/129033328-630x423.jpg?w=980&q=75)
New Common Core Tests to Cost Montana $2 Million, $27 Per Student More.
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — It will cost the state of Montana about $2 million, or $27 per student, to administer and score the new battery of K-12 Common Core-aligned tests.
The Office of Public Instruction recently finalized contracts for the Smarter Balanced computer-based exams.
The tests gauge students' mastery of the new standards and will be given for the first time next spring.
The old paper-and-pencil Criterion-Referenced Test for English/language arts, math and science had a price tag of $2.9 million.
Students will continue to take the CRT science exam, pushing the total testing cost this year to $3.2 million.
Madalyn Quinlan, of the Office of Public Instruction, tells The Billings Gazette that a federal grant will continue to cover state assessment costs in full.
More From Newstalk KGVO 1290 AM & 98.3 FM
![Montana State Announces New Remote Work Certification Course](http://townsquare.media/site/15/files/2022/01/attachment-arthur-lambillotte-EYobsXWCY-k-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Youth Only Pheasant, Waterfowl Hunt Starts Next Weekend in Montana](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2018/09/ring-necked-pheasantMDweb.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![New Report Shows More Economic Stability is Needed for Montana Families](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2021/06/attachment-RS11609_120749510.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Risky Populations: States with the Most College Students](http://townsquare.media/site/241/files/2021/01/shutterstock_64165825-scaled-e1595968950800.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Superintendent Arntzen Announces 2021 Legislative Priorities](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2020/10/featured-image.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Finalist for National Teacher of the Year Says Teaching in Montana Is Her “Niche,” Talks About Unique Experience](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2020/01/featured-image-3.png?w=980&q=75)
![Test Scores for Elementary and Middle Schools are Stagnant](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2019/10/school-kids.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Appeal – MT Supreme Court Accused of Unconstitutional Decision in School Tax Credit Case](http://townsquare.media/site/119/files/2018/12/GettyImages-939251678.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![State Begins to Backfill Funding Cuts in K -12 Education, Special Ed](http://townsquare.media/site/116/files/2016/02/RS11386_71553752-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)