COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 202

December 5, 2003

INFORMATIONAL

TO:

Division Superintendents

 

FROM:

Jo Lynne DeMary

Superintendent of Public Instruction

 

SUBJECT:

Mathematics and Reading Field Tests

 

As noted in Informational Superintendent’s Memo #154, dated September 26, 2003, the Virginia Department of Education will conduct field tests in the spring of 2004 and 2005 in mathematics and reading in grades 4, 6, and 7.  The purpose of this memorandum is to formally invite divisions to participate in these field tests.  Please note:  even if your division has contacted us to volunteer for these field tests, divisions must respond to this memorandum as described below.

 

To respond, each division must complete a “Request to Participate in the Mathematics and Reading Field Tests” Internet survey.  On Monday, December 8, each division director of testing (DDOT) will receive an e-mail containing an Internet address that will provide access to the survey.  Each division will be asked if they wish to participate, and those that respond “yes” will be asked to provide some general, preliminary information.   All responses are due by December 19.   Information related to specific schools, grade levels, and approximate number of students will be requested in late January. 

 

Please note the following:

 

1.   In grades 6 and 7 only, mathematics and reading field tests will be offered two ways:   (1) pencil and paper tests, and (2) online tests.  Divisions interested in offering the field tests online must have a High School Stage 2 Readiness Certification and Middle School Certification completed by March 31, 2004.  Information regarding Middle School Certification will be forthcoming.

 

2.   Division directors of testing will serve as the contact persons for the Department of Education, Harcourt Educational Measurement, and Pearson Educational Measurement.

 

3.   Both paper and pencil and online field testing will be conducted between May 3 and May 28, 2004.

 

Should you have any questions regarding the Internet survey, please contact Sarah Susbury at (804) 786-5823 or ssusbury@mail.vak12ed.edu.    Any other questions should be directed to the Division of Assessment and Reporting at (804) 225-2102 or darfax@mail.vak12ed.edu.

 

JLD/SLR/ST/jc