This booklet presents exemplary curriculum guides from the years 1988-89 to 1993-94. The guides discussed in the booklet illustrate student-centered, performance-based approaches which can serve as models for other schools and school districts. Entries in the booklet include a description of each curriculum guide, a commentary about its applicability, and information about its availability (cost, a contact person or office, and the appropriate address). Following an introduction, the booklet presents a curriculum guide commended in 1993-94, a curriculum guide commended in 1992-93, three commended in 1991-92, six curriculum guides commended in 1990-91, and 19 guides commended in 1988-89. The booklet concludes with the criteria for planning and evaluating English language arts curriculum guides. (RS)