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Testing or *over* testing in the state has many parents, teachers, and lawmakers concerned. As Matt Galka tells us, in the digital learning age, some legislators are calling for a slow down, and a return to the old ways.

As new Florida Standards Assessments tests get ready to be rolled out this Spring, there’s still plenty of concern from the school districts.  Hillsborough County Superintendent MaryEllen Elia says they’re already costing valuable class time.

“The way that we’re administering it is going to cause, and has caused, an excessive amount of time to be used in the school, and it’s a disruption,” said Elia.

The Common Core tied tests have drawn a lot of criticism for over testing stressed out students.  And on Wednesday, lawmakers in a Senate education spending committee touched on a potential issue that isn’t entirely figured out.

Many of the new tests will be taken online, but what happens if there’s a technical problem? That’s why some are saying the old pencil and paper way might be the best way.

“We do not have the technology in place to fully implement online assessments this year,” said Sen. Bill Montford (D-Tallahassee).

Commissioner Pam Stewart says Florida schools are ready for the digital age, but Sen. Don Gaetz (R-Destin) isn’t so sure.

“There is a disconnect between how ready the department feels they may be and the districts may, and what the districts feel,” he said.

Tweaks are expected, but Stewart says they won’t be coming from just one side.

“We’re going to work together, I think that the investigation we’re doing into the assessments is going to formulate the direction the legislature and we want to go,” said Stewart.

The tests currently cost Florida $90 million dollars, not including other district costs.