Public Act 84-126 amended The School Code of Illinois to include a definition of schooling and a requirement that the goals for learning be identified and assessed. This document identifies state goals for language arts education in grades 3, 6, 8, 10, and 12, and includes a sample set of district level learning objectives consistent with those goals. Several legislative requirements are presented, though it is emphasized that school districts can either adopt these objectives or develop a different set, provided that it remains consistent with state goals. An overview of language arts education is provided as a basis for the presentation of six state educational goals. The goals presented stipulate that students, as a result of their schooling, will be able to (1) read, comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and use written materials; (2) listen critically and analytically; (3) write standard English in a grammatical, well organized, and coherent manner for a variety of purposes; (4) use spoken language effectively in formal and informal situations to communicate ideas and information and to ask and answer questions; (5) understand the various forms of significant literature representing different cultures, eras, and ideas; and (6) understand how and why language functions and evolves. For each of the six goals a list of general knowledge skills related to a specific goal is provided. Sample learning objectives, keyed to the general knowledge/skills are then provided for each of the six goals and for each of the five grades. State goals for learning in six areas--language arts, mathematics, biological and physical sciences, social sciences, fine arts, and physical development and health--are appended. In addition, a question-and-answer appendix discusses learning objectives, forms of government assistance, and state testing. (JD)