As state leaders consider changing or dumping new student assessments, the consortium of states that developed some of the exams is planning to streamline them.

The governing board of the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Career (PARCC) will consider recommendations in the coming weeks to shorten the time students spend taking standardized tests. A final decision is expected by mid- to late summer.

“We have heard what you all are saying,” Jeff Nellhaus, chief of assessments for PARCC, told members of a Senate advisory committee on student testing last week.

“We’re definitely addressing the testing-time issue.”

The PARCC governing board, which includes Ohio schools Superintendent Richard A. Ross, is expected to consider a proposal to combine two blocks of testing, one in the fall and another in the spring. Individual tests also could be shortened.

The tests for English/language arts and math currently take up to 10 hours, depending on the grade level.

Whether such changes will appease state lawmakers and local educators remains to be seen.

(Read more at Dispatch)