Based on the 1998 Arkansas State Language Arts Framework, this framework lists benchmarks for kindergarten through grade four in writing; reading; and listening, speaking, and viewing. The writing section's stated standards are to help students employ a wide range of strategies as they write; use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate to different audiences for a variety of purposes; and apply knowledge of language conventions to print and non-print texts. Reading standards are focused to help students comprehend, evaluate, and respond to works of literature and other kinds of writing which reflect their own cultures and developing viewpoints as well as those of others. The reading section also focuses on guiding students to demonstrate a willingness to use reading to continue to learn, to communicate, and to solve problems independently. The listening, speaking, and viewing standards focus on helping students develop and apply these communication skills through a variety of informal and formal opportunities. (PM)