DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
P.O.
SUPTS. MEMO NO. 96
May 5, 2006
INFORMATIONAL
|
TO: |
Division
Superintendents |
|
FROM: |
Patricia I.
Wright Acting
Superintendent of Public Instruction |
|
SUBJECT: |
Standards of Learning (SOL) Assessment Audit
System |
The Department of Education is preparing to
implement a revised SOL Test Administration Audit System beginning with the
2006-2007 school year. Audits will be conducted to
ensure that students are tested as prescribed by state and federal guidelines
and to ensure divisions are following best practices regarding test security
and the handling of test materials.
Beginning in the fall of 2006, audits will be conducted in 10 percent of
the school divisions across the state.
Comprehensive information about the fall audits will be provided to
divisions during the summer of 2006.
The audit process will be managed by the Division of Assessment and Reporting which will recruit and train audit teams comprised of veteran test administrators as well as Department of Education staff. Audits will focus on pre- and post-administration preparation, training, security, test administration, and materials management. Audits may or may not include an on-site visit to the selected division. Directors of Testing in divisions identified for an audit will be notified in advance and provided with pre-audit information.
In preparation for the fall 2006 implementation, the
department will conduct an audit pilot test during the spring SOL 2006 test
administration. Six school divisions
will receive advance notification and pre-audit information. Each selected division will be notified in
advance and provided with information describing the audit process. If you are interested in volunteering a
school from your division to participate in the upcoming pilot test, please
contact the number provided below. Only
six divisions will be included in the pilot test.
If you have questions or require additional
information, please contact the Division of Assessment and Reporting at (804)
225-2102 or by e-mail at darfax@doe.virginia.gov.
PIW/SLR/jc