What should English language arts students know and be able to do? This book, the culmination of more than three years of intense research and discussion among teachers, parents, and policymakers, attempts to answer these questions by presenting standards designed to prepare all K�12 students for the increasing literacy demands of today and tomorrow. More than a set of guidelines, these standards present a shared vision of literacy education�one that encompasses the use of print, oral, and visual language and addresses six interrelated English language arts: reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and visually representing. Standards for the English Language Arts starts by examining the rationale for standard setting�why NCTE and IRA believe defining standards is important and what we hope to accomplish in doing so. It then explores the assumptions that underlie the standards, defines and elaborates each standard individually, and provides real-life classroom vignettes in which readers can "see" standards in practice. Designed to complement other national, state, and local standards efforts, this document is required reading for English language arts professionals at all levels. NCTE and the International Reading Association.

Introduction
Chapter 1: Setting Standards in the English Language Arts
Chapter 2: Perspectives Informing the English Language Arts Standards
Chapter 3: The English Language Arts Standards
Chapter 4: Standards in the Classroom
In Conclusion
Glossary
Appendix A: List of Participants
Appendix B: History of the Standards Project
Appendix C: Overview of Standards Projects
Appendix D: State and International English Language Arts Standards
Appendix E: Resources for Teachers
Appendix F: Response to Standards for the English Language Arts