COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 254

October 10, 2008

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Patricia I. Wright Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	Virginia Substitute Evaluation Program(VSEP) Range Finding Committee

The Office of Test Administration, Scoring, and Reporting is seeking nominees to serve on the range finding committee for the Virginia Substitute Evaluation Program (VSEP). These committees will assist in the selection of student work samples to be used for training scorers in spring 2009. Approximately eight educators will be selected for each of the four committees listed below to represent end-of-course (EOC) Standards of Learning assessments and grade 8 literacy and numeracy.

The range finding committee meetings will be held at the Sheraton Park South Hotel, Richmond, Virginia, as follows:

November 20, 2008 1) Algebra I; Geometry; Algebra

II; and Grade 8 Numeracy

2) EOC English: Reading;

EOC English: Writing; and

Grade 8 Literacy

November 21, 2008 3) Earth Science and Biology

4) Virginia and United States

History; World History I; World

History II; and World

Geography

School divisions are encouraged to nominate representatives for each of the four committees. The VSEP range finding committee members will be chosen based on the following criteria:

• instructional or supervisory training and experience in special education;

• expertise with students with disabilities who participate in the VSEP; 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 Web site 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 October 30, 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.

PIW/SLR/cd