Testing changes are coming to Montana's students, including reinstating GED certificates and replacing state standardized exams for third- through eighth-graders.

The GED test will be returning as a statewide high school equivalency test offering, in addition to the HiSET. Both tests assess competency in reading, writing, math, science and social studies.

In 2013, the state replaced the GED (General Educational Development test) with the HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) when the cost to take the GED exam approximately doubled after it was retooled.

The cost to take the complete GED test is $144. The cost to take the complete HiSET will increase from around $54 to $75 in January 2024. There are additional proctoring fees to take the HiSET, ranging from $5 to $17.50 per subtest, according to the Office of Public Instruction (OPI).

A high school diploma or high school equivalency credential is needed for college, career or military advancement. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that, on average, individuals with a secondary credential earn about $10,000 more annually than those without.

Montanans earning a high school equivalency credential will soon receive their certificate from DiplomaSender.com, according to the state Office of Public Instruction.

The official launch date for the GED and Diploma Sender in addition to testing sites will be announced at a later date.

The Office of Public Instruction is also continuing its plan to replace the Smarter Balanced Assessment as Montana’s state standardized test for third- through eighth-graders with one it has been piloting in schools starting in the 2024-25 school year.

Students take a state standardized test once a year as required through the Every Student Succeeds Act for federal reporting and accountability purposes in math and English language arts/reading. The end-of-year test is meant to evaluate student learning in comparison to Montana’s Common Core Standards. It usually takes a period of time to receive the results.

Since 2022, Montana schools, including Flathead Valley schools such as Kalispell Public Schools, have participated in the Office of Public Instruction’s Montana Alternative Student Testing (MAST) Pilot Program.

Unlike one end-of-year test, MAST focuses on an assessment model that tests students and provides immediate feedback throughout the year, with the idea of showing growth over time versus the once-a-year test educators often refer to as “snapshot testing.”

Eleventh-graders will continue taking the ACT as the state standardized test to assess proficiency in math, English language arts/reading, writing and science.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.