COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 203

August 29, 2008

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Billy K. Cannaday, Jr. Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) Range Finding Committee

 

The Office of Test Administration, Scoring, and Reporting is seeking nominees to serve on the range finding committee for the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP). Approximately 12 educators will be selected to represent grades 3 through 8 and grade 11. This committee will assist in the selection of student work samples for reading, mathematics, science, and history/social science to be used for training scorers in spring 2009. The committee meeting will be conducted October 15-17, 2008, at the Sheraton Park South Hotel, Richmond, Virginia.

 

School divisions are encouraged to nominate one or more representatives. The VAAP range finding committee members will be chosen based on the following criteria:

 

• Instructional/supervisory training and experience in special education;

• expertise in teaching/supervising students with disabilities who participate in the VAAP; 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 (pending local approval).

 

All nominees must submit an application through the Web-based process, Assessment Committee Application Processing System (ACAPS). ACAPS is a paperless system for the submission and review of assessment committee applications from educators in Virginia public schools. The Web-based application process requires one professional reference endorsement and the division superintendent's or superintendent's designee approval. An Internet browser must be used to access ACAPS at http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Assessment/ACAPS/index.htm or visit the Virginia Department of Education's website at http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Assessment/home.shtml and select the ACAPS link. Completed Web-based applications should be submitted to the Virginia Department of Education by September 23, 2008.

 

If you have questions, please contact the Office of Test Administration, Scoring, and Reporting by e-mail at student_assessment@doe.virginia.gov or call (804) 225-2107.

 

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