COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 78

April 15, 2005

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Jo Lynne DeMary Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	Nominations for the Stanford English Language Proficiency Assessment Standard Setting Committees

The Division of Assessment and Reporting is seeking nominations for membership on the Standards Setting Committees for the Virginia Stanford English Language Proficiency (SELP) Assessments. Approximately 15-20 educators will be selected for each of the five committees: preliteracy level/grades K-1, primary level/grade 2, elementary level/grades 3-5, middle level/grades 6-8, and high school level/grades 9-12. These committees will make recommendations for (1) English language proficiency-level cut scores for the Virginia SELP test, and (2) cut scores that students must attain for proficient-level on the SELP reading subtest when used as a substitute for the Standards of Learning English test (grade 3) and the English: Reading test (grades 5 and 8). School divisions are encouraged to nominate one representative for each committee.

Committee members will be chosen based on the following criteria:

grade-level expertise and experience in English as a Second Language and/or English/language arts;

instructional/supervisory experience with limited English proficient students; and

balanced regional representation.

Members selected for the committees will be expected to:

participate in the one-time committee meeting (May 16-18, 2005) in Richmond as scheduled(refer to page 3 of the application packet);

sign a Non-Disclosure/Conflict of Interest Agreement;

examine a SELP test form and make recommendations regarding the cut score that students must attain for English language proficient-level; and

examine a SELP Reading test at grades 3, 5, and 8 and make recommendations regarding the cut score that students must attain for proficient-level when used as a substitute for the Standards of Learning English test (grade 3) and the English: Reading test (grades 5 and 8).

Committee members will be provided the following:

reimbursement for meals and travel expenses in accordance with state travel policy and procedures;

lodging; and

certificate for recertification points.

Individuals may initiate the application process for the SELP assessment standard setting committees or may be nominated. In either case, all nominees must complete an application and obtain written approval from their division superintendent. Completed applications must be submitted to the Virginia Department of Education by April 29, 2005.

If you have questions, please contact Laura Kennedy, assessment specialist, Division of Assessment and Reporting at Laura.Kennedy@doe.virginia.gov or by phone at (804)371-0258.

JLD/SLR/jc

Attachment

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintendents_memos/2005/inf078a.doc