language arts

[lang-gwij ahrts]

noun

1. (used with a plural verb),  the skills, including reading, composition, speech, spelling, and grammar, taught in elementary and secondary schools to give students a thorough proficiency in using the language.

2. (used with a singular verb),  a core course of instruction in an elementary or secondary school where students develop these skills.

Word History and Origins

Origin of language arts¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Students are tested in English Language Arts and math in grades 3 through 8 and grade 11.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Compton has now surpassed the state’s averages, with 51% of students proficient or better in English Language Arts; 41.1% in math.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Unified, the combined advanced or proficiency rate rose to 46.5% in English Language Arts and 36.8% in math.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

About half to two-thirds of students continue to measure below proficient in English Language Arts or math.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

On the statewide tests, which were taken in the spring, 48.8% of students scored as “proficient” or “advanced” in English Language Arts, a gain of 1.8 percentage points from the spring of 2024, which built on smaller gains from the previous year.

Read more on Los Angeles Times