A Test Before Trying

"A Test Before Trying" is the 10th episode of Season 24, premiering on January 13, 2013. This episode is dedicated to Huell Howser, who first appeared in "O Brother, Where Bart Thou?". The episode was watched by 5.1 million viewers, earning a 2.4 rating.

Synopsis
After Mr. Burns raises the rate for purchasing electricity from his power plant, most households and businesses can no longer afford to use any electrical appliances. Homer resorts to lugging a parking meter he found to different places in Springfield as a means of raising money.

The financial crisis prompts the school district to hold a test to determine which school should be shut down. As the Springfield Elementary students prepare to be shipped to new schools, Lisa learns that Bart is the only one who hadn't taken the test. Can his one grade raise the school's score high enough for it to be saved?