Instructional materials are essential tools in the English language arts classroom. They allow students to interact with words, images, and ideas in ways that develop their abilities in multiple literacies such as reading, listening, viewing, thinking, speaking, writing, and technology. Because selection policies should reflect local interests and…

A comprehensive character education program produces students who understand moral character and incorporate this knowledge in their actions. California advocates coursework in history, the social sciences, and language arts that connects students to political, social, and ethical issues central to our society. Cites examples of projects in four…

Considers the sociocultural factors that discourage the appropriate teaching of reading and writing. Discusses how the lay community would have to be involved in an improved language arts curriculum that individualized learning tasks, encouraged developmental interaction among individuals, and integrated learning across subjects, media, and types…

This report, intended for teachers, administrators, school board members, parents, community leaders, and other concerned leaders, provides a rationale for the restructuring of elementary school education and makes specific recommendations for realizing that vision. The introduction discusses the need for educational changes in light of…

Asserts that the arts, including art, music, dance, and theater, often are ignored or shortchanged in the school curriculum. Discusses how language education has assumed a central place in the school curriculum and whether art education can use curriculum integration to achieve the same status. (CFR)

The arts, rather than being just a "frill," are essential to a public school curriculum, because music, painting, poetry, dance, drama, architecture, and the other arts are media of human communication, conceptualization, and innovation. This argument is developed through affirmative responses to five questions: (1) Should education provide the…