The English Language Arts curriculum includes five strands: reading of literature, reading of informational texts, writing, speaking and listening, and language.  We believe that, in an ever-changing world, students must assume an active role in their learning as they inquire and research using technology and information from a variety of sources and as they build skills necessary for judging and evaluating those sources and the information gleaned from them.  The purpose of the Language Arts curriculum is to develop literacy in all students:  the ability to read, write, and speak effectively; the ability to think critically and converse openly in a diverse society; and the ability to solve problems independently.