Focusing on integrating the teaching of language arts through varying functions of language, communication modes and audiences, this curriculum guide emphasizes the importance of a language rich environment which will enable students to understand the purposes and power of language and to use it confidently and creatively. The guide provides structure and direction for building on existing curricula at the district level. Emphasis is placed on empowering classroom teachers to make decisions that meet the individual needs of their students. The presentation on curricular organization and integration in the language arts argues that simply listing subskills to be introduced and mastered at specified levels is inappropriate. Examples of oral, written and visual communication used in and out of school are outlined, as are communication acts used by composer and comprehender in five functions of language. Teacher strategies for designing integrated language arts learning experiences are presented, including numerous examples of possible student activities. Guidelines for evaluating language arts programs are provided. Appendices include (1) an outline of ways to both implement and evaluate the curriculum model at the local level, (2) a form for mapping present curricula, and (3) a list of professional organizations. A 46-page annotated bibliography of materials cited in the ERIC data base, together with a form for obtaining followup materials concludes the document. (JD)