This annotated list of recommended English language arts curriculum guides is offered to publicize good curriculum planning and guide writing and to provide models for schools who are reviewing their programs and need a variety of sample frameworks, units, and lesson plans. The recommended guides are arranged by the year in which they were recommended (1978, 1979, and 1980), with each annotation providing the following information: the grade levels involved; a description of the content, aims, and objectives; and information on obtaining the guide. Following the lists, criteria are offered for planning and evaluating English language arts curriculum guides. Designed to apply to many different content emphases within the field of English language studies as well as the learning process, the criteria are organized under the headings of philosophy, policies and procedures, objectives, organization, process as content, language, composition, media, reading and literature, evaluation, and design. (RL)