Language arts is a fundamental subject taught in grades K-12. Major areas of the language arts curriculum are reading, listening, speaking, writing, spelling, handwriting, and vocabulary. The ICCSD advocates a balanced literacy framework to implement language arts instruction. This framework combines teacher-directed instruction and student-centered activities. Since there is a distinct body of knowledge for components of language arts, time is designated specifically for this instruction. To help students make connections between what they read, write, speak, listen, and view, language arts instruction may also be integrated within the discipline or with other disciplines.

At the elementary level, in the primary grades, the program begins with an emphasis on learning to read. At the upper elementary grades, the emphasis becomes reading to learn. At all levels, students are taught skills as well as strategies for reading, writing and speaking.