COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

 

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 216

October 6, 2006

 

INFORMATIONAL

TO:

Division Superintendents

 

FROM:

Billy K. Cannaday, Jr.

Superintendent of Public Instruction

 

SUBJECT:

Virginia Grade Level Assessment Standard Setting

 

 

The Division of Assessment and Reporting is seeking nominations for membership on the grades 3 and 4, grades 5 and 6, and grades 7 and 8 reading and mathematics Standard Setting Committees for the Virginia Grade Level Assessment (VGLA) Program. Approximately 20 educators will be selected to serve on each of the six committees (three in mathematics and three in reading) which will recommend to the Board of Education the scores that students must attain to achieve the performance levels of fail/basic, pass/proficient, and pass/advanced. School divisions are encouraged to nominate one representative for each committee.

 

The recommendations of the Standard Setting Committees will be submitted to the Board of Education, which will decide the cut scores for fail/basic, pass/proficient, and pass/advanced status.

 

The Standard Setting Committee meetings for reading will be conducted November 13-15, 2006, and the mathematics committee meetings will be conducted November 13-16, 2006, at the Crowne Plaza Richmond West, Richmond, Virginia. Committee members will be chosen according to the following criteria:

 

  • expertise in the instruction of students with disabilities who participate in the VGLA program in grade level reading or mathematics; and
  • balanced regional representation.

 

 

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 the attached application and obtain written approval from their division superintendent. Completed applications must be received by the Virginia Department of Education by October 31, 2006.

 

If you have questions, please contact the Division of Assessment and Reporting at darfax@doe.virginia.gov or by phone at (804) 225-2102.

 

BKCJr/SLR/jc

 

Attachment

 

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintendents_memos/2006/inf216a.doc