COMMONWEALTH
OF VIRGINIA
DEPARTMENT
OF EDUCATION
P.O.
BOX 2120
RICHMOND,
VIRGINIA 23218-2120
SUPTS. MEMO NO. 62
October 4, 2002
ADMINISTRATIVE
|
TO: |
Division Superintendents |
|
FROM: |
Jo Lynne DeMary Superintendent of Public Instruction |
|
SUBJECT: |
Request for Nominations for the 2003 Standards of
Learning Assessment Content Review Committees for New Break Apart Grade 8
History Tests |
The Division of
Assessment and Reporting is seeking nominations for membership on the 2003
Standards of Learning Assessment Content Review Committees for U.S. History I
(to 1877), U.S. History II (1877 to the Present), and Civics and
Economics. From 12-15 members are
needed for each of the three content committees.
Legislation in the 2000 General Assembly required
development of separate tests measuring the standards for U.S. History I, U.S.
History II, and Civics and Economics.
The intent of this legislation is to provide flexibility for school
divisions so that they may administer the separate tests more closely to the
time the content is completed. School divisions will continue to have
flexibility in the grade levels at which the content is taught. It
is projected that the break-out tests will be implemented in 2003-2004. This schedule will coincide with the first
administration of the history tests related to the 2001 Standards of
Learning. The cumulative grade 8
history test will continue to be available for school divisions to administer.
Over the next three years, a system will be phased in for recruiting
and implementing an annual rotation of committee membership. An annual rotation of committee members will
provide an opportunity for more teachers to contribute to the development of
the Standards of Learning assessments while retaining the experience and
knowledge of veteran committee members.
Committee members will be chosen based on the
following criteria:
content area expertise and experience;
in-depth knowledge of the Standards of Learning;
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 2003 Content Review Committees for
the history break-out tests will be expected to:
make a commitment to serve a one-year term with the option to apply for
a second-year term in 2004;
sign a Non-Disclosure/Conflict of Interest Agreement;
participate in three (2-4 day) committee meetings in Richmond scheduled
the first two weeks of February and from the end of June through mid-August;
review the Standards of Learning test forms for alignment with the test
blueprints; and
examine test items to confirm a match with the Standards of Learning
and review items for appropriateness, and fairness.
Committee members will be provided the following assistance:
reimbursement for meals and travel expenses in accordance with state
travel policy and procedures;
lodging;
honorarium of $50.00/per
meeting day for committee members not under contract; and
certificate for
Recertification Points.
Individuals may initiate
the application process for the 2003 History break-out Content Review
Committees or may be nominated. In
either case, all nominees are required to submit the attached application. The applicant must provide two professional
references and obtain written approval from their division superintendent.
You are invited to
identify in your division one distinguished educator for each
of the three history committees.
Completed applications are due to the Virginia Department of Education
by November 15, 2002.
If you have questions,
please contact Lolita B. Hall (mailto:lbhall@mail.vak12ed.edu),
associate director, Division of Assessment and Reporting at (804) 786-9422.
Thank you in advance for
your continued support of this important endeavor.
JLD/SLR/LBH/jc
Attachment
/administrators/superintendents_memos/2002/adm062a.doc