English language arts forms the foundation for effective communication. The ability to construct meaning through reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing, and the process of inquiring as well as the ability to present ideas through writing, speaking, and visual media are the bases of English language arts. These skills, essential to the health of our democracy and the quality of our culture, have become ever more important with the modern explosion of modern communication media. The study of language helps students to control their lives and become more effective thinkers through communication, reflection, and understanding. To develop good thinking strategies, students must become engaged as active learners. To help them improve, students need to practice English language arts skills and receive frequent feedback across all areas of study.
Source: http://www.maine.gov/education/lres/pei/ela102207.pdf
Source: http://www.maine.gov/education/lres/pei/ela102207.pdf