This guide provides educators with descriptions of specific techniques for teaching skills in reading, writing, listening, and literature; suggestions for planning a year's work; and models for changing a curriculum in the language arts. Specific topics discussed in the eight sections of the guide are: (1) the process of changing the curriculum; (2) setting goals; (3) determining objectives; (4) scope and sequence; (5) planning instruction and providing for individual differences; (6) stressing skills and other content, specifically reading, writing, speaking, listening, language, spelling, and literature skills; (7) integrating the English language arts; and (8) evaluating student performance. Appendixes contain criteria for selecting curriculum materials, a list of school districts represented by curriculum materials in the guide, and a bibliography. (FL)