Reading includes learning foundational reading skills as well as developing skills as readers of literature and informational texts. In reading, students develop both word recognition and language comprehension as a means to increase their reading comprehension. Students read widely and deeply from a broad range of increasingly challenging texts.

The overall concepts for writing are the structure of writing, the development of ideas, and writing conventions (e.g. spelling and punctuation). Writing skills are developed around certain text types: students write arguments with claims supported by evidence, narratives that develop real or imagined experiences, and informative/explanatory texts that convey complex ideas or information. 

Speaking and listening focuses on flexible comprehension and collaboration. Students develop their ability to build up ideas through multiple exchanges of talk. Students learn verbal and nonverbal communication moves to engage with their peers on a range of topics.

Language includes the demonstration of standard English conventions in writing and speaking, knowledge of how language functions in different contexts, and vocabulary acquisition and use.