COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 11

January 18, 2008

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Billy K. Cannaday, Jr. Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	Nominations for the Standard Setting Committee for Grade 8 Science Standards of Learning Test

 

The Office of Assessment Development is accepting nominations for the Standard Setting Committee for the Grade 8 Science Standards of Learning (SOL) test. The committee meeting will be conducted March 11-12, 2008, at the Holiday Inn Koger Center, Richmond, Virginia. Standard setting is necessary because of the implementation of a new test blueprint for the grade 8 science test in spring 2008.

 

The standard setting committee is responsible for recommending scores that reflect students' proficient or advanced status. These recommendations will be submitted to the Board of Education, which will then decide the cut scores for pass/proficient and pass/advanced status.

 

Approximately 20 educators will be selected to serve on the committee. School divisions are encouraged to nominate a representative for this committee.

 

Committee members will be chosen based on the following criteria:

 

• instructional/supervisory training and experience in grade 8 science;
• instructional/supervisory experience with students who have disabilities or students with limited English proficiency; and
• balanced regional representation.

Committee members will be provided the following:

 

 

• reimbursement for meals and travel expenses in accordance with state travel policy and guidelines;
• lodging; and
• certificate for recertification points (pending local approval).

 

All nominees who wish to serve on the standard setting committee must complete the Web-based application using the Assessment Committee Application Processing System (ACAPS). The Web-based application process requires a professional reference and approval from the division superintendent or designee. Procedures for submitting the Web-based application are available at

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Assessment/ACAPS/index.htm.

 

Completed applications should be submitted to the Virginia Department of Education using ACAPS by February 15, 2008.

 

If you have questions, please contact the Office of Assessment Development at Student_Assessment@doe.virginia.gov

or by phone at (804) 225-2918.

 

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