Starting Points

In the original 1996 Frameworks, the five Alaska English/Language Arts standards did not isolate Reading and Writing. With the adoption of the federal law No Child Left Behind (NCLB) educators and the general population have come to think of student literacy as more discreet disciplines. Therefore, in this 2003 Frameworks we provide information about literacy in the categories of Reading and Writing to assist teachers interested in locating specific information more quickly. However, the Alaska State Standards emphasize the importance and interrelated nature of learning language.

Language is the primary way human beings name, organize, communicate, and reflect upon themselves and the world. Language is verbal and visual thinking. It is the means by which a person solves problems, comes to know, and remembers that knowing. It is the dominant means through which all other subjects are expressed and learned and, for this reason, in most American schools English/language arts is the bedrock subject which all others cling to when setting schedules or priorities. Language is also that particular voice and story which we use to tell of the extraordinary experience of being human.

We emphasize that the assumptions in this document refer to any language that is the principal language of instruction. (1996 Frameworks)

You can explore each of the five content standards for more in-depth information about what the students need to master in each standard.
Click on the links on the left.

For information on Best Practices, Assessments, Model Lessons and Resources in Reading / Writing click on the grade level tabs at the top of this page.