The state Department of Education is bringing in a new company to develop Common Core exams after widespread complaints about the quality of the questions in the April exams.

Officials announced that the department awarded a five-year, $44 million contract to Questar Assessment, Inc.

Questar is set to replace Pearson Inc., which was widely criticized by Common Core opponents for many reasons, including a perceived lack of teacher involvement when it comes to writing questions and grading tests.

"Teacher input is critical to building a successful state test, and that's why the new contract emulates the collaborative process used to develop the Regents exams," says state Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia.

Common Core opponents say trading one testing company for another doesn't come close to addressing the real issue.

"These little tweaks and changes aren't going to change the day-to-day lives of our children in the classroom," says Jeanette Deutermann, an opt-out advocate. "Right now, Pearson is a name that is toxic. Common Core is toxic."

The new contract still has to be approved by the state's attorney general and comptroller.