English

Language arts is the generic name given to the study and improvement of language skills within the school setting. Traditionally, the primary divisions in language arts are literature and language, where language in this case refers to both linguistics and specific languages. According to the International Council of Teachers of English, the five strands of the language arts are reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing (visual literacy). Reading, by definition, is the ability and knowledge of a language that allows comprehension by grasping the meaning of written or printed characters, words or sentences. Reading involves a wide variety of print and nonprint texts that helps a reader gain an understanding of what is being read. Reading of texts that are often included in educational curriculum include fiction, nonfiction, classic, and also contemporary works. Reading goes beyond calling words to understanding the information presented in a written or a visual context.

Teaching literacy is essential to ensuring that all children have the skills to become successful readers, writers, and communicators with the 21st century skills required to be successful as they become postsecondary workforce ready. Developing a student’s ability to read, write, and communicate is critical to their success, and directly impacts their ability to perform successfully across all content areas.

The power of Colorado’s education improvement efforts lies in having a comprehensive system consisting of relevant and rigorous standards, aligned and meaningful assessments, excellent teachers and school leaders, and high-performing schools and districts. All aspects of the system are continuously improving to advance student learning and prepare students to succeed in an increasingly competitive workforce The Colorado Academic Standards are the expectations of what students need to know and be able to do at the end of each grade. They also stand as the values and content organizers of what Colorado sees as the future skills and essential knowledge for our next generation to be more successful. State standards are the basis of the annual state assessment.

Colorado has 10 content areas:

• Colorado Arts
• Music
• Visual Arts
• Theatre
• Dance
• Comprehensive Health and Physical Education
• Mathematics
• Reading, Writing, and Communicating
• Science
• Social Studies
• World Languages