COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 204

August 29, 2008

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Billy K. Cannaday, Jr. Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	Virginia Grade Level Alternative (VGLA) Program Range Finding Committees

 

The Office of Test Administration, Scoring, and Reporting is seeking nominees to serve on the range finding committees for the Virginia Grade Level Alternative (VGLA) Program. The range finding committees will assist in the selection of student work samples for use in training scorers for spring 2009. Approximately 12 educators will be selected to serve on each of the four committees. School divisions are encouraged to nominate representatives for each committee.

 

The range finding committee meetings will be held at the Holiday Inn Koger Center, Richmond, Virginia, as follows:

 

November 6-7, 2008 1) VGLA Grades 3 through 5 Reading;

Grade 3 History/Social Science;

Virginia Studies; and Grade 5

Writing

2) VGLA Grades 3 through 5

Mathematics; Grade 3 and 5

Science

November 18-19, 2008 3) VGLA Grades 6 through 8 Reading;

U.S. History to

1877, U.S. History: 1877 to the

Present, Civics & Economics; and

Grade 8 Writing

4) VGLA Grades 6 through 8

Mathematics and Grade 8 Science

 

The VGLA range finding committee members will be chosen based on the following criteria:

 

• Instructional/supervisory training and experience in general and special education;

• expertise in teaching/supervising students with disabilities or limited English proficiency who participate in the VGLA; 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 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 VGLA range finding applications should be submitted to the Virginia Department of Education by October 10, 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.

 

BKCJr/SLR/cd