Based on the premise that whole language is a philosophy or perspective, rather than a set of practices, this fastback develops a definition of whole language, presents an information processing model of language processes, and discusses theory-practice relationship and assessment as they relate to whole language. Sections of the fastback are: Making Sense of Whole Language; A Holistic View of Language: What Research Says; Theory into Practice: Whole Language Arts; and Whole Language and Assessment. The pamphlet concludes that: (1) theory determines practice; (2) integrated language activities are more powerful than separated ones; (3) whole language arts cut across the curriculum; and (4) instructional goals should drive the assessment of language arts skills. Six figures are included, and a 47-item bibliography is attached. (RS)