P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 169

August 26, 2005

INFORMATIONAL

TO:

Division Superintendents

FROM:

Jo Lynne DeMary

Superintendent of Public Instruction

SUBJECT:

Nominations for Standard Setting Committees for End-of-Course English: Reading and Algebra II Standards of Learning Tests

The Division of Assessment and Reporting is seeking nominations for membership on the Standard Setting Committees for the End-of-Course (EOC) English: Reading and Algebra II Standards of Learning tests. Approximately 20 educators will be selected to serve on each of the two committees. These committees will make recommendations regarding the scores for each test that should be required for students to be considered proficient or advanced in the content area. School divisions are encouraged to nominate one representative for each committee.

Beginning in the fall of 2005, new test blueprints will be implemented for the EOC English: Reading test and the Algebra II test. The new blueprint for the EOC English: Reading test will reflect the 2002 English standards. The new blueprint for the Algebra II test addresses a reporting category change from the 2001 mathematics standards. Beginning with the 2005-2006 tests, the number of items in each reporting category on the Algebra II test will be realigned. The delay in the implementation of this changed blueprint was communicated in Superintendents Memorandum No. 81, May 2, 2003.

The recommendations of the standard setting committees will be provided to the Board of Education that will make a final decision for cut scores that are equivalent to pass/proficient and pass/advanced. The EOC English: Reading test and the Algebra II test for future administrations will be statistically equated to the tests on which the cut scores were set so that the same level of proficiency will be required for students to be considered proficient and advanced.

Committee members will be chosen based on the following criteria:

expertise and instructional/supervisory experience in a specific content/grade-level;

instructional/supervisory experiences with students who have disabilities and students with limited English proficiency; and

balanced regional representation.

Members selected for the committees will be expected to:

participate in the one-time committee meeting, October 26-27, 2005, in Richmond (refer to page 3 of the application packet);

sign a Non-Disclosure/Conflict of Interest Agreement;

examine a test form and make recommendations regarding cut scores that students must attain.

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.

Individuals may initiate the application process for the 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 September 30, 2005.

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

JLD/SLR/jc

Attachment

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/administrators/superintendents_memos/2005/inf169a.doc