COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO.286

November 21, 2008

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Patricia I. Wright Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	Nominations for the 2009 Standards of Learning Assessments Content Review Committees

 

The Office of Assessment Development is seeking nominations for the 2009 Standards of Learning (SOL) Assessments Content Review Committees. Fifteen members are needed for each of the 34 content committees. School divisions are asked to nominate one or more representatives for each content committee. The schedule for the content review committee meetings is attached. Each school principal will be mailed a recruitment poster encouraging teachers to participate. We ask that the recruitment poster be displayed prominently in the school building.

Committee members will be chosen based on the following criteria:

 

       grade-level experience and content area expertise;

       in-depth knowledge of the SOL;

       instructional/supervisory experience with students of varied learning styles, abilities, and aptitudes, including students with disabilities and students with limited English proficiency; and

       balanced regional representation.

Committee members selected for the 2009 SOL Assessments Content Review Committees will be expected to:

 

       serve a one-year term;

       sign a Non-Disclosure/Conflict of Interest Agreement;

       participate in committee meetings scheduled by the Virginia Department of Education;

       review the SOL test forms for alignment with the test blueprints;

       examine test items to confirm a match with the SOL;

        review test items for appropriateness and fairness;

       examine field test data for potential test items; and

       recommend whether items are to be included in the test item bank.

 

Committee members will be provided the following:

 

       reimbursement for meals and travel expenses in accordance with state travel policy and guidelines;

       lodging;

       honorarium of $100 per meeting day for committee members not under contract with a school division at the time of meetings; and

       certificate for recertification points (pending local approval).

 

All individuals who wish to serve on the 2009 committees, including those who have previously served, must complete a Web-based application. The Web-based application process will require a professional reference and approval from the division superintendent or designee. The procedure for submitting the Web-based application is available at https://p1pe.doe.virginia.gov/acaps/. Completed applications are due to the Virginia Department of Education through the Web-based process by January 30, 2009.

 

If you have questions, please contact the Office of Assessment Development at Student_Assessment@doe.virginia.gov or by phone at (804) 225-2918.

 

Your continued support of this effort is greatly appreciated.

 

PIW/SLR/cd

 

Attachment

a. 2009 SOL Assessments Content and Bias/Sensitivity Review Committee Schedule (PDF)