New Test Will Replace FCAT

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Students will soon have a new test that will replace the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test or FCAT.

American Institutes for Research, a not-for-profit, will develop the test announced Florida Education Commissioner Pam Stewart Monday.

Students will be given the test in the spring of 2015.

"The new assessment will measure each child's progress and achievement on the Florida Standards, which were developed with an unprecedented amount of public input," said Stewart in a press release. "This assessment supports our new standards, which emphasize flexibility for teachers to make their own decisions in classrooms while preparing our students to analyze and think."

According to education officials, the new test will be based on Common Core State Standards. 

The contract for the test is for six years and worth an estimated $220 million.