This paper provided a synopsis of a presentation given at the Texas Association of Literacy Education annual conference in February 2018. During this presentation, several members of the English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) and Spanish Language Arts and Reading (SLAR) review committees described the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)…

The recent movement in K-12 education toward common standards in key subjects represents an unprecedented opportunity for improving learning outcomes for all students. These standards initiatives--the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics (CCSS) and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)--are informed by…

A great variety of books are available for children which can be used to develop literary appreciation and literacy skills while aiding them in sharpening their awareness and realizing their human potential. These books can be found in many categories, some of which are easy-to-read books, historical and modern fiction which mirrors reality,…

This paper discusses the linguistic aspects of reading instruction in the elementary school language arts curriculum. The contents include: "Decoding vs. Comprehension," which discusses what constitutes reading comprehension, transformational theory of language, and grammatical knowledge the speaker of English possesses; "Syntactic Factors in…

The reader has replaced the text as the central figure in the teaching of literature. Three techniques that psychologists and educational researchers believe produce better reading comprehension are: the concept of schemata, or the kind of mental outline a reader has when perceiving something; the acquisition or development of an appropriate…

This paper reviews and illustrates what the computer offers the field of language arts. Two different approaches to computer assisted reading instruction available at the Naval Training Center in San Diego--the subskills and the holistic approaches--are described. The implications of computer assisted instruction for writing instruction are…

Syntax, or, loosely, sentence structure, is a major linguistic variable influencing the comprehensibility of every written sentence. This paper attempts to set forth the relationship between elements of syntax and reading comprehension as the classroom teacher might see them, and to propose a strategy, the Complete Linguistic Elements Paradigm…

A study investigated the feasibility of presenting to primary-grade children a holistic, functional language arts program instead of a subskill one. Over 1,000 children from 16 inner city elementary schools were divided into three groups: (1) Group A, taught by teachers trained in holistic and language oriented approaches to reading and writing,…

This paper describes a program of interdisciplinary studies for high-school students who are not motivated to learn in the conventional academic setting. The program began with a work-incentive program that used points as the basis for weekly grades in reading, composition, and skill development. Collaboration of teachers of industrial arts,…

The high school minimal competency examination described in this document is part one of a three-part program that requires that all students satisfactorily complete tests in reading, language arts, and mathematics prior to receiving a high school diploma. The document outlines the test development and assessment program and describes the plan for…

The dynamics of verse can be tapped to serve individual readers at the elementary and secondary levels. Choral speaking, or any group speaking together, can eliminate the fear of failure for the lone reader. A verse choir can be organized to use pitch, power, phrasing, tempo, voice quality, and movement to interpret a piece of literature. Although…

A study was conducted to determine whether a particular diagnostic assessment and monitoring program would have an effect on class achievement, regardless of curriculum used. The program consisted of a series of criterion-referenced tests coordinated with sequenced lessons in reading, oral language, and arithmetic, with the results charted by…

This paper describes trends in the teaching of reading to young children in British infant and primary schools. Initial sections outline background features, organization, and procedures in infant education, pointing out that great variations exist among schools. A section on reading practices notes that, although basal reading schemes, which are…

Reading teachers should choose activities and experiences for the classroom that are central to reading. Although a sense of security surrounds the teaching of testable finite reading skills, it is necessary to choose language arts experiences that are not so readily evaluated but still are basic to reading. Listening instruction can facilitate…

This study evaluated teachers' attitudes toward, reactions to, and knowledge of using portfolios in language arts classrooms. In May 1996, sixth, seventh, and eighth grade teachers in city and county public schools in Memphis, Tennessee, completed a 14-item questionnaire that asked: (1) if they currently used portfolios in evaluating language arts…