in the collection How Much Will NCLB Tests Cost? Choose a Number
WASHINGTON (AP) — Tests mandated for the nation's students will
cost $1.9 billion to $5.3 billion over the next seven years,
according to the investigative arm of Congress. Whether the
burden falls on the federal government or the states — taxpayer
money, either way — depends on what kinds of tests schools use,
the General Accounting Office report says. By 2005-06, all
states must test students in grades three though eight in math
and reading annually, and at least once during high school
grades. The No Child Left Behind law also requires a science
test at least once in elementary, middle and high school by
2007-08. The report says if all states use multiple-choice tests
only, the cost would be the low estimate of $1.9 billion. That's
less than the $2.34 billion Congress must provide for testing
under existing law. "If a state elects to go with the Ferrari
version of testing instead of the Chevrolet version required
under No Child Left Behind Ac