COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 150

September 24, 2003

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Jo Lynne DeMary Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	Nominations for Standard Setting Committees for History and Social Science Standards of Learning Tests

The Division of Assessment and Reporting is seeking nominations for membership on the Standard Setting Committees for the History and Social Science Standards of Learning tests. Approximately 15-20 educators will be selected for each of the 10 committees (Grade 3 History, Grade 5 History, Grade 8 History, United States History I, United States History II, Civics & Economics, and End-of-Course World History I, World History II, World Geography, and Virginia & United States History). These committees will make recommendations regarding the two cut scores for each content area/grade level test: (1) a range of scores that students must attain for proficient level and (2) a range of scores that students must attain for advanced level. School divisions are encouraged to nominate at least one representative for each committee.

As you are aware, beginning in school year 2003-2004, the Standards of Learning tests will assess full implementation of the revised 2001 History and Social Science Standards of Learning. The recommendations of the standard setting committees will be provided to the Board of Education that will make a final decision for cut scores that are equivalent to pass proficient and pass advanced. History and Social Science Standards of Learning tests for future administrations will be statistically equated to the tests on which the cut scores were set so the same level of proficiency will be required for students to be considered proficient and advanced.

Committee members will be chosen based on the following criteria:

history and social science content area/grade level expertise and experience;

in-depth knowledge of the Standards of Learning;

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

balanced regional representation.

Members selected for the committees will be expected to:

• participate in one committee meeting as scheduled (see page 3 of the application packet);
• sign a Non-Disclosure/Conflict of Interest Agreement;

examine a history test form and make recommendations regarding the two cut scores that students must attain for proficient-level and advanced-level.

Committee members will be provided the following:

• reimbursement for meals and travel expenses in accordance with state travel policy and procedures;
• lodging; and
• certificate for recertification points.

Individuals may initiate the application process for the history and social science standard setting committees or may be nominated. In either case, all nominees must complete an application. Nominees who served on the summer 2003 Standards of Learning Assessment Content Review for history areas will only need to complete certain pages of this application. All applicants must provide two professional references and obtain written approval from their division superintendent.

You are invited to identify in your division one distinguished educator for each of the 10 standards setting committees. The completed applications for End-of-Course World History I, World History II, World Geography and Virginia & United States History are due to the Virginia Department of Education by October 10, 2003. Applications for Grade 3 History, Grade 5 History, Grade 8 History, United States History I, United States History II and Civics & Economics must be submitted by November 7, 2003.

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

JLD/SLR/LBH/jc

Attachment: /administrators/superintendents_memos/2003/inf150a.doc