INFORMATIONAL

  The 1996 Instructional Materials Review for basal K-12
  History/Social Science and English 9-12 textbooks and
  electronic instructional media has been completed.  All
  materials submitted for review have been placed on the state
  instructional materials list.

  Textbook coordinators in local school divisions have been
  sent detailed evaluation profiles on each book, series, or
  electronic media submitted specifying the degree of
  correlation to the Virginia Standards of Learning.  The
  Department of Education will not publish a recommended list
  of basal instructional materials; however, divisions are
  encouraged to select instructional materials showing a high
  degree of correlation to the Virginia Standards of Learning.

  The instructional materials list is enclosed showing items
  that have been submitted by publishers and reviewed by a
  committee of ninety reviewers representing school divisions,
  higher education, patrons, and the private sector. These
  materials will receive state six-year price contracts to
  become effective July 1, 1997.

  Also enclosed is a revised schedule for the review of
  instructional materials.  Please note that the review for
  foreign languages has been moved to 1998.  School division
  textbook coordinators have been notified that six-year price
  contracts with publishers for foreign language textbooks
  will remain in effect until July 1, 1999.  Questions
  concerning instructional materials review should be directed
  to Gordon F. Creasy, Division of Technology, at 804-225-3129.

  RTL/gc

  Enclosures:  This memo and its enclosures will be sent to
               the superintendent's office.