DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
P.O.
SUPTS. MEMO NO. 12
April 18, 2008
ADMINISTRATIVE
|
TO: |
Division
Superintendents |
|
FROM: |
Billy K.
Cannaday, Jr. Superintendent
of Public Instruction |
|
SUBJECT: |
Exceptions
to One Percent Cap on the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) |
The United States
Department of Education has announced that it will no longer grant exceptions
allowing states to exceed the one percent cap on the number of proficient scores
on the alternate assessment measuring alternate achievement standards that may
be counted toward adequate yearly progress (AYP). This provision is effective
for the 2008 VAAP administration. While
the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) may not request permission to
exceed the cap on a statewide basis, we are authorized to grant exceptions to
school divisions under specified circumstances.
School
divisions with VAAP participation data suggesting that they will likely exceed
the one percent cap were invited to a VDOE-sponsored meeting conducted on March
11. At that time, attendees were
informed that the Department would consider requests for exceptions related to
(1) small “n” issues or (2) demographic anomalies.
If your data
for the 2008 VAAP administration suggests that you will exceed the one percent
cap based upon the above-referenced criteria, please complete the attached form
and the supporting data that is specified.
Forms should be returned to Mr. John Eisenberg at VDOE by May 16, 2008. Questions about this matter may be addressed
to Mr. Eisenberg at (804) 225-2711 or John.Eisenberg@doe.virginia.gov. Thank you for your cooperation.
BKCJr/hdc
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