English Language Arts, K-8. Part II: Writing and Speaking. Program of Studies.

Developed to increase student ability to communicate effectively in a growing range of situations, this kindergarten through grade eight writing and speaking program is based on clusters of instructional and performance objectives for each grade level. The guide begins with a discussion of the goals of education, a point of view about language learning, and the purposes, characteristics, and outcomes of language instruction. The guide then lists three principles that govern the organization of instructional and performance objectives at each grade level; i.e., objectives should be organized: (1) across grade levels in developmental sequences, reflecting and promoting language and cognitive development; (2) according to the speaker's or writer's intent; and (3) in instructional sequence for direct use by teachers. Each grade level section contains two categories--composition and conventions--under which objectives are listed. The subcategories listed under composition are developing language fluency, expressing thoughts and feelings, writing and telling stories and poems, informing an audience, and persuading an audience. The subcategories under conventions are usage and grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and handwriting. A list of Montgomery County Public Schools instructional guides and related materials is included, as well as a chart illustrating the categories of objectives. (EL)