English Language Arts
The Illinois Learning Standards for English Language Arts
goals and standards were developed using the 1985 State Goals
for Language Arts, various state and national standards drafts,
and local education standards contributed by team members.
Through the achievement of these goals and standards, students
will gain proficiency in the language skills that are basic
to all learning, critical to success in the workplace and
essential to life as productive citizens.
English language arts includes reading, writing, speaking,
listening and the study of literature. In addition, students
must be able to study, retain and use information from many
sources. Through the study of the English language arts, students
should be able to read fluently, understanding a broad range
of written materials. They must be able to communicate well
and listen carefully and effectively. They should develop
a command of the language and demonstrate their knowledge
through speaking and writing for a variety of audiences and
purposes. As students progress, a structured study of literature
will allow them to recognize universal themes and to compare
styles and ideas across authors and eras.
Applications of Learning
Through Applications of Learning, students demonstrate and
deepen their understanding of basic knowledge and skills.
These applied learning skills cross academic disciplines and
reinforce the important learning of the disciplines. The ability
to use these skills will greatly influence students' success
in school, in the workplace and in the community.
Solving Problems
Recognize and investigate problems; formulate and propose
solutions supported by reason and evidence.
Solving problems demands that students be able to read and
listen, comprehend ideas, ask and answer questions, clearly
convey their own ideas through written and oral means, and
explain their reasoning. Comprehending reading materials and
editing and revising writing are in themselves forms of complex
problem solving. The ability to locate, acquire and organize
information from various sources, print and electronic, is
essential to solving problems involving research. In all fields—English
language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and others,
the command of language is essential in stating and reasoning
through problems and conveying results.
Communicating
Express and interpret information and ideas.
Communication is the essence of English language arts, and
communication surrounds us today in many forms. Individuals
and groups of people exchange ideas and information—oral
and written—at lunch tables, through newspapers and magazines,
and through radio, television and on-line computer services.
From the simplest, shortest conversations to the most complex
technical manuals, language is the basis of all human communication.
A strong command of reading, writing, speaking and listening
is vital for communicating in the home, school, workplace
and beyond.
Using Technology
Use appropriate instruments, electronic equipment, computers
and networks to access information, process ideas and communicate
results.
Computers and telecommunications have become basic means
for creating messages and relaying information. In offices
and homes, people write using word processors. Audio and visual
media are used for both creative and practical forms of communication.
The use of on-line services is now commonplace among researchers,
authors, farmers and auto mechanics. Skilled use of these
technologies provides students with necessary opportunities
to search and process information, be in touch with experts,
prepare documents, and learn and communicate in new, more
effective ways.
Working on Teams
Learn and contribute productively as individuals and as members
of groups.
In sports, the workplace, family and elsewhere, teamwork
requires skill in the use of language. People must speak clearly
and listen well as they share ideas, plans, instructions and
evaluations. In researching and bringing outside information
to a team, individuals must be able to search, select and
understand a variety of sources. Documenting progress and
reporting results demand the ability to organize information
and convey it clearly. Those who can read, write, speak and
listen well are valuable contributors in any setting where
people are working together to achieve shared goals.
Making Connections
Recognize and apply connections of important information
and ideas within and among learning areas.
The parts of English language arts are closely interconnected.
Reading and writing provide the means to receive and send
written messages. Likewise, listening and speaking enable
people to receive and send oral information. Speaking and
writing are the creative components, while listening and reading
are the receptive components of language through which people
access knowledge and demonstrate its applications. Proficiency
in these skills clearly supports learning in all academic
areas.
Goals
Goal 1 - Reading  
Goal 2 - Literature
Goal 3 - Writing
Goal 4 - Listening and Speaking
Goal 5 - Research
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