ADMINISTRATIVE

 The purpose of this memo is to seek nominations for membership on Standards of 
Learning (SOL) Assessment Content Review Committees in order that we may increase 
our pool of participants. Members of these committees provide content area expertise 
in the review of field test items and the alignment of test forms with the test 
blueprints.

There are Content Review Committees for each grade level (3,5,and 8) test including 
technology and for each end-of-course assessment. In addition to the members with 
grade and content expertise, the committees will include representatives of special 
populations such as members with expertise in educating students with disabilities 
and students with limited English proficiency.

The committees will convene several times during the summer. The first meeting 
provides for the review of items field tested in the fall of 1999 and the spring 
2000 test administrations. Following review by the committees, these items either 
go to the test item bank for inclusion on future tests, are edited to be field 
tested again, or they are dismissed from further consideration. The second meeting 
allows members to review the various test forms proposed by Harcourt for the 
following year's administrations. Members will confirm that the test items match 
the test blueprint specifications.

Members of Content Review Committees will be required to sign conflict of interest 
and non-disclosure statements regarding secure test items and forms. The members of 
the committees will be reimbursed for travel, lodging, and meals. Members not under 
contract will receive a $50.00/day stipend.

Please identify one or more distinguished educators in your division and forward a 
copy of the attached Content Review Committee Application to each of the people you 
have nominated. Note that the application requires your signature of approval. 
Applicants should submit completed forms to the Division Superintendent for return 
to the Department of Education by April 10, 2000.

If you have questions, please contact the Division of Assessment and Reporting at 
(804) 225-2102. Thank you in advance for your effort and assistance.


JLD/CMH/jc

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