COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 4

January 25, 2002

ADMINISTRATIVE

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Jo Lynne DeMary Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	Request for Nominations for the 2002 Standards Of Learning Assessment End-of-Course Content Area Bias Review Committees

The Division of Assessment and Reporting is seeking nominations for membership on the 2002 Standards of Learning Assessments End-of-Course Content Area Bias Review Committees. Approximately 10-12 members are needed for each of the four end-of-course content areas: English, mathematics, history and social science, and science. The system for recruiting and maintaining these committees is being revamped to meet the yearly demand for review of test items for equity and fairness. Therefore, over the next three years, a system will be phased-in for partial rotation of membership on an annual basis. Annual rotation of committee members will provide a greater number of educators the opportunity to contribute to the development of the Standards of Learning assessments while retaining the experience and knowledge of veteran committee members.

Committee members will be chosen based on the following selection criteria:

End-of-course content area expertise, including training and experience in dealing with issues of equity or fairness;

In-depth knowledge of the Standards of Learning;

Instructional/supervisory experience with students of varied learning styles, aptitudes, and abilities, including students with disabilities, and students with limited English proficiency; and

Balanced regional representation.

Members selected for the 2002 End-of Course Content Area Bias Review Committees will be expected to:

Make a commitment to serve a one-year term with the option to apply for a second-year term in 2003;

Sign a Non-Disclosure/Conflict of Interest Agreement;

Participate in two (2-3 day) End-of-Course Content Area Bias Review Committee Meetings in Richmond, scheduled from the end of June through mid-August;

Examine test items to confirm appropriateness and fairness.

Committee members will be provided the following:

Reimbursement for meals and travel expenses in accordance with state travel policy and guidelines;

Lodging;

Stipend of $50 per day for members not under contract; and

Verification Certificate for Recertification Points.

Individuals may initiate the application process for the 2002 End-of-Course Content Area Bias Review Committees or may be nominated. In either case, all applicants are required to submit the attached application. The applicant must provide two professional references in support of their nomination and obtain written approval from their division superintendent. Detailed information is included in the application packet that outlines requirements, provisions, selection criteria, and a prototype of a typical days agenda during the meeting.

You are invited to identify one or more distinguished educators in your division for this important service. Completed application should be submitted to the division superintendent for final approval and returned to the Virginia Department of Education by February 22, 2002.

If you have questions, please contact Lolita B. Hall (mailto:lhall@mail.vak12ed.edu), associate director, Division of Assessment and Reporting at (804) 786-9422.

Thank you in advance for your effort and assistance.

JDL/SLR/jc

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/administrators/superintendents_memos/2002/adm004a.doc