Could a new college admission exam be on the horizon?

The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) is testing the waters, according to a recent blog post published by Education Week.

The consortium — representing 15 states — oversees an online assessment system aligned to the Common Core State Standards. But the group is apparently looking to expand its offerings.

In a request for proposals released on Feb. 27, the consortium said it was looking to partner with an organization that provides college admission testing, such as ACT or the College Board.

“As the RFP lays it out, a combined test could help reduce the amount of time high school students, many of whom take the SAT or ACT in addition to state assessments, spend on testing,” Education Week notes. “It might also give students more incentives to do well on the SBAC exam.”

The consortium expects to select a winning proposal in May, according to the blog.

Admitted writer/editor Mary Stegmeir welcomes additional comments and story ideas at mstegmeir@nacacnet.org.