COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
P.O. BOX 2120
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120
SUPTS. MEMO NO. 41
June 28, 2002
ADMINISTRATIVE
|
TO: |
Division
Superintendents |
|
FROM: |
Jo Lynne
DeMary Superintendent
of Public Instruction |
|
SUBJECT: |
Participation in Pilot Testing of Writing Prompts for Standards of Learning English: Writing Assessments |
As part of the continuing development of the
Standards of Learning English: Writing Assessment, Harcourt Educational
Measurement will be conducting a pilot test of writing prompts during the
period of September 23-27, 2002. This
pilot testing is necessary to ensure the technical quality of the writing
prompts used in future administrations of the English: Writing Test.
A sample of approximately 15,000 sixth-, ninth-, and
twelfth-grade students from across Virginia is needed to participate in the
pilot testing. Each student will be
asked to write a paper in response to a prompt. The administration of the writing prompt typically requires one
or two class periods.
The Department of Education is seeking classrooms in
your division to participate in the pilot testing. From the pool of volunteers, the department will select a sample
to be representative of the state in terms of demographic factors such as
geography, race/ethnicity, and school and division sizes. Please indicate on the attached form your
willingness for some classrooms or schools in your division to volunteer to participate
in this pilot testing. If you choose to
participate, please indicate the person to be contacted, the schools, and the
number of classrooms willing to participate.
Forms must be returned to the Division of Assessment and Reporting by
August 12, 2002.
Questions may be addressed to Shelley Loving-Ryder (mailto:sryder@mail.vak12ed.edu) or
Suzanne Trevvett (mailto:strevvet@mail.vak12ed.edu)
at (804) 225-2102.
Attachment
/administrators/superintendents_memos/2002/adm041a.pdf