COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 105

May 12, 2006

 

INFORMATIONAL

TO:

Division Superintendents

 

FROM:

Patricia I. Wright

Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction

 

Subject:

Nominations for Standard Setting Committees for the Modified Standard Diploma Literacy and Numeracy Assessments

 

 

The Division of Assessment and Reporting is accepting nominations for membership on the Standard Setting Committees for the literacy (grade 8 reading) and numeracy (grade 8 mathematics) Standards of Learning (SOL) tests required for the Modified Standard Diploma. Standard setting is being conducted for the newly implemented grade 8 reading and mathematics tests because they are based on grade level content. Formerly, these tests included content that is cumulative across grade levels.

 

Approximately 20 educators will be selected for each of the two committees that will recommend the scores that students must attain to meet the literacy and numeracy requirements for the Modified Standard Diploma. School divisions are encouraged to nominate one representative for each committee. Committee members will be chosen based on the following criteria:

 

  • expertise and instructional/supervisory experience in special education and reading or mathematics content;
  • 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 the committee meeting, June 19-20, 2006, in Richmond;
  • 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;
  • honorarium of $100 per meeting day for committee members not under contract with a school division at the time of meeting; and
  • certificate for recertification points (pending local approval).

 

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 submitted to the Virginia Department of Education by May 25, 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) 225-2107.

 

PIW/SLR/jc

 

Attachment

 

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintendents_memos/2006/inf105a.doc