English Language Arts & Literacy Standards are part of the Common Core in History/Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects. These standards were created to prepare students for success in academics, careers, and life by the time they graduate from high school. ELA standards range from K-12 grades, but this article presents ELA standards from grades K-3, which define what students should be able to comprehend and do by the end of each grade level.

 ELA K-3 standards aim to develop comprehension strategies so that students can understand grade-level texts and effectively communicate in speaking and writing. Additionally, the standards aim to develop students’ analytical skills. According to Corestandards.org, the ELA core standards are as follows:

•  Research and evidence-based
• Clear, understandable, and consistent
• Aligned with college and career expectations
• Based on rigorous content and the application of knowledge through higher-order thinking skills
• Built upon strengths and lessons of current state standards
• Informed by other top-performing countries to prepare all students for success in our global economy and society

 ELA standards are best when started early on in a child’s education, as it gives them much needed time to master the skills required in the standards. ELA K-8 grades has grade-by-grade standards, but there is no set format or materials that are required to be used. It is up to each school district and teachers to create lesson plans and content that reflect these standards. It is pertinent that both native English speakers and English Language Learners (ELLs) master these standards so that they can reach success and new levels of knowledge throughout their educational careers.

 For additional information on how you can present and teach ELA Standards in your school district or classroom, visit the Latino Family Literacy Project. This organization aims to help school administrators, teachers, and parents of ELLs so that they can achieve academic success. The Project offers webinars, workshops, and other resources, such as informative articles on how to better serve the ELL community.