COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 75

April 2, 2004

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Jo Lynne DeMary Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	Adjusted Cut Scores for the Modified Standard Diploma

At its March 24, 2004, meeting the Virginia Board of Education adopted adjusted cut scores on the grade 8 reading and mathematics tests for special education students taking these tests to meet the literacy and numeracy requirements of the modified standard diploma. Special education students achieving a scale score of 299 on the grade 8 English: Reading test should be considered to have met the literacy requirements of the modified standard diploma. Special education students achieving a scale score of 360 on the grade 8 mathematics test should be considered to have met the numeracy requirements of the modified standard diploma. The adjusted cut scores may be applied retroactively so that students who achieved the required scale scores in previous test administrations may be considered to have met the literacy and numeracy requirements of the modified standard diploma. Please note, however, that this action by the Board of Education does NOT affect the score required to pass the grade 8 reading or mathematics tests; the required score to pass the tests remains at 400.

Questions about the adjusted cut scores for the modified standard diploma should be addressed to the staff of the Division of Assessment and Reporting at (804) 225-2102 or e-mail darfax@mail.vak12ed.edu.

JLD/SLR/jc