COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 22

May 13, 2005

ADMINISTRATIVE

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Jo Lynne DeMary Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	Nominations for the 2005 Standards of Learning Assessment Plain English Mathematics and Special Test Forms Review Committees

The Division of Assessment and Reporting is seeking membership nominations for the review committees of the 2005 Standards of Learning (SOL) Assessment Plain English Mathematics Test Forms and the Special Test Forms. Fifteen members are needed for each committee. School divisions are encouraged to nominate one representative for each committee.

Descriptions of the Committees

The Plain English Mathematics Test Forms Review Committee members will be responsible for reviewing test items on the Plain English mathematics test forms for grades 3 through 8 and Algebra I. The Plain English mathematics test covers the same content as the regular mathematics test. The test items have been modified to address issues related to non-native English speakers who may have been in the United States for a short time and thereby may encounter language barriers. Committee nominees should be educators with limited English proficient expertise and experience in grades 3-8 mathematics or Algebra I instruction.

The Special Test Forms Review Committee members will be responsible for reviewing test items for the Braille, large-print, and audiotape special forms to be used with visually impaired students. Committee nominees should be educators with expertise in special education and should have experience with the administration of Braille, large-print, and audiotape special test forms.

Committee Criteria

Members selected for the 2005 Standards of Learning Assessment Plain English Mathematics and Special Test Forms Committees will be expected to:

• serve a one-year term with the option to apply for a second- or third-year term(s);
• sign a Non-Disclosure/Conflict of Interest Agreement; and
• participate in the committee meeting(s)as scheduled by the Virginia Department of Education (see specific schedule on page 4 of the attached application packet).

Individuals may initiate the application process or may be nominated. In either case, all nominees must complete an application. All applicants must provide two professional references in support of their nomination and obtain approval from the division superintendent. Detailed information is included in the application packet that outlines requirements, provisions, selection criteria, and a prototype of a typical meeting days agenda.

Provisions for Committee Members

Committee members will be provided the following:

• reimbursement for meals and travel expenses in accordance with state travel policy and guidelines;
• lodging;
• honorarium of $50 per meeting day for committee members not under contract with a school division at the time of meeting(s); and
• certificate for recertification points.

You are invited to nominate one distinguished educator from your division for each of the eight committees for this important service. Completed applications are due to the Virginia Department of Education by June 10, 2005.

If you have questions, please contact Ronald Sutton (Ronald.Sutton@doe.virginia.gov), assessment specialist, Division of Assessment and Reporting at (804) 225-2913.

Thank you in advance for your continued support of this effort.

JLD/SLR/jc

Attachment

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintendents_memos/2005/adm022a.doc