P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 14

January 12, 2006

INFORMATIONAL

TO:

Division Superintendents

FROM:

Patricia I. Wright

Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction

SUBJECT:

Nominations for Standard Setting Committees for Grades 3 through 8 Reading, Grades 5 and 8 Writing, and Grades 3 through 8 Mathematics Standards of Learning Tests

The Division of Assessment and Reporting is seeking nominations for membership on the Standard Setting Committees for the Standards of Learning (SOL) tests for grades 3 through 8 reading, grades 5 and 8 writing, and grades 3 through 8 mathematics. Approximately 20 educators will be selected to serve on each of these eight committees, that will recommend to the Board of Education the scores that students must attain to achieve proficient or advanced status. School divisions are encouraged to nominate one representative for each committee.

Standard setting for these assessments is necessary because of the implementation of new tests as well as revisions to the content covered by existing tests.

For mathematics, there will be new SOL tests for grades 4, 6, and 7. In addition, the tests for grades 5 and 8 will no longer be cumulative but will measure grade level content only. While there is no change in the content measured by the grade 3 mathematics test, standard setting is also being conducted for this test so that a new scale which will allow for the measurement of growth in student achievement from one year to the next may be implemented.

For reading, the new grade 3 test will consist of reading only (the writing component has been removed); there will be new SOL tests for grades 4, 6, and 7; and the tests for grades 5 and 8 will no longer be cumulative but will measure grade level content only.

The writing tests for grades 5 and 8 have reporting category changes.

The recommendations of the standard setting committees will be submitted to the Board of Education, which will decide the cut scores for pass/proficient and pass/advanced status.

Committee members will be chosen based on the following criteria:

expertise and instructional/supervisory experience in a specific content/grade-level;

instructional/supervisory experiences with students who have disabilities and students with limited English proficiency; and

balanced regional representation.

Members selected for the committees will be expected to:

participate in a two- or three-day committee meeting during March 29-May 12, 2006, in Richmond (refer to page 3 of the application packet);

sign a Non-Disclosure/Conflict of Interest Agreement; and

examine a test form and make recommendations regarding cut scores that students must attain.

Committee members will be provided the following:

reimbursement for meals and travel expenses in accordance with state travel policy and procedures;

lodging; and

a certificate for recertification points.

Individuals may initiate the application process for the standard setting committees or may be nominated. In either case, all nominees must complete an application and obtain written approval from their division superintendent. Completed applications must be received by the Virginia Department of Education by February 10, 2006.

If you have questions, please contact Ronald L. Sutton, assessment specialist, Division of Assessment and Reporting at Ronald.Sutton@doe.virginia.gov or by phone at (804) 225-2913.

PIW/SLR/jc

Attachment

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintendents_memos/2006/inf014a.doc