"Depictions of black students in a state guide to the Standards of Learning tests have created such concern that two area school systems are delaying the booklets' release to parents.

The publication, 'A Parent's Guide to Virginia's Standards of Learning Program,' was produced by the state Department of Education and has been sent to Virginia schools in the last month.

Albemarle County and Charlottesville schools are hanging on to their copies and are considering whether to send the guides home to parents. The problem, officials say, lies in the pictures of students.

The chief complaint is that 'it does not equally portray success for all students,' said Jean Murray, Albemarle's assistant superintendent for instruction.

Black students are shown talking in the hall and not paying attention in class, with children of other races appearing more studious and attentive, school staffers have said" (Kate Andrews, The Daily Progress, March 30, 2001).

What I find most interesting is the wording of the statement on the back of the booklet ("The Virginia Department of Education does not unlawfully discriminate ...") which accompanies the copyright and the potential meta message left by the picture on the back of the booklet.

According to Virginia Department of Education Public Information Manager, most of the pictures were taken from stock photos.

The picture on the back of the booklet was taken at Varina High School in Henrico and the picture on page 16 of a student with a paint brush is courtesy of Chesterfield County (phone conversation, April 2, 2001).

Check out the rest of the article in today's Daily Progress and send your comments to george@loper.org where the most representative will be posted on my home page with full attribution.

Then, call the Virginia Department of Education at 804-225-2023 and let them know what you think.