The Hawaii Department of Education initiated a Programming-Planning-Budgeting System in the English Language Arts to improve student skills in reading, speaking, listening, writing, and literature appreciation. Specialists in Language Arts and Speech Education planned a program that would begin in first grade and concentrate on three target areas--oral language, linguistically-based reading instruction, and literature. Oral language was chosen because of the view that competency in oral language should take precedence over other language skills. Considered as almost parallel in importance was a beginning reading program that emphasized reading as a decoding process and that used a linguistic reader series. For the third target area, the appreciation of literature, an elementary literature program modeled on the one developed by the Curriculum Center of the University of Nebraska was planned, using both core and supplementary books. A basal reader program was also instituted to supplement the literature program and to improve essential reading skills. Methods of providing communication about the new curriculum and in-service teacher training were developed. This transitional program will be in effect until the Hawaii Curriculum Center completes materials for state-wide use. (JM)