STATE GOALS FOR LEARNING - 1985

The State of Illinois hereby establishes the following learning goals consistent with the primary purpose of schooling and the areas of learning identified in Section 105 ILCS 512 – 3.64 of the The School Code of Illinois.

In pursuing knowledge in these fundamental areas, students must develop an understanding of the interrelationships of knowledge: develop skills in the use of electronic and other applicable technology; and develop their ability to gather, evaluate and synthesize information from a variety of sources.

The State goals for learning were established as a result of education reform in 1985. Student expectations are stated as goals for learning and standards.

English – Language Arts – STATE GOALS:  1-5

The Illinois Learning Standards for English Language Arts goals and standards were developed using the 1985 State Goals for Language Arts, various state and national standards drafts, and local education standards contributed by team members. Through the achievement of these goals and standards, students will gain proficiency in the language skills that are basic to all learning, critical to success in the workplace and essential to life as productive citizens.

English language arts includes reading, writing, speaking, listening and the study of literature. In addition, students must be able to study, retain and use information from many sources. Through the study of the English language arts, students should be able to read fluently, understanding a broad range of written materials. They must be able to communicate well and listen carefully and effectively. They should develop a command of the language and demonstrate their knowledge through speaking and writing for a variety of audiences and purposes. As students progress, a structured study of literature will allow them to recognize universal themes and to compare styles and ideas across authors and eras.

State Goal 1:    Read with understanding and fluency.

State Goal 2:    Read and understand literature representative of various societies, eras and ideas.

State Goal 3:    Write to communicate for a variety of purposes.

State Goal 4:    Listen and speak effectively in a variety of situations.

State Goal 5:    Use the language arts to acquire, assess and communicate information.

Mathematics – STATE GOALS:  6-10

The Illinois Learning Standards for Mathematics were developed by Illinois teachers for Illinois schools. These goals, standards and benchmarks are an outgrowth of the 1985 Illinois State Goals for Learning influenced by the latest thinking school mathematics. This includes the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics; Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics; ideas underlying recent local and national curriculum projects; results of state, national, and international assessment findings; and the work and experiences of Illinois school districts and teachers.

Mathematics encompasses arithmetic, measurement, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, probability and other fields. It deals with numbers, quantities, shapes and data, as well as numerical relationships and operations. Confronting, understanding and solving problems is at the heart of mathematics. Mathematics is much more than a collection of concepts and skills; it is a way of approaching new challenges through investigating, reasoning, visualizing and problem solving with the goal of communicating the relationships observed and problems solved to others.

State Goal 6:      Demonstrate and apply a knowledge and sense of numbers, including numeration and operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), patterns, ratios and proportions.

State Goal 7:      Estimate, make and use measurements of objects, quantities and relationships and determine acceptable levels of accuracy.

State Goal 8:      Use algebraic and analytical methods to identify and describe patterns and relationships in data, solve problems and predict results.

State Goal 9:      Use geometric methods to analyze, categorize and draw conclusions about points, lines, planes and space.

State Goal 10:    Collect, organize and analyze data using statistical methods; predict results; and interpret uncertainty using concepts of probability.

Science – STATE GOALS:  11-13

The Illinois Learning Standards for Science were developed using the 1985 State Goals for Science, the National Science Education Standards, various other state and national works, and local education standards contributed by team members.

The Illinois Learning Standards for Science are organized by goals that inform one another and depend upon one another for meaning. Expectations for learners related to the inquiry process are presented in standards addressing the doing of science and elements of technological design. Unifying concepts connect scientific understanding and process and are embedded in standards spanning life science, physical science, and earth and space science. The importance of this knowledge and its application is conveyed in standards describing the conventions and nature of the scientific enterprise and the interplay among science, technology and society in past, present and future contexts.

State Goal 11:    Understand the processes of scientific inquiry and technological design to investigate questions, conduct experiments and solve problems.

State Goal 12:    Understand the fundamental concepts, principles and interconnections of the life, physical and earth/space sciences.

State Goal 13:    Understand the relationships among science, technology and society in historical and contemporary contexts.

Social Science – STATE GOALS:  14-18

The Illinois Learning Standards for Social Science were developed using the 1985 Illinois State Goals for Social Science, the National Standards for World History, the National Standards for United States History, the National Geography Standards, the National Standards for Civics and Government, other various state and national work, and local standards contributed by team members.

The integrated study of the social sciences and humanities promotes civic competence. Within the school program social science provides coordinated, systematic study of such disciplines as anthropology, economics, geography, history, law, political science, and sociology, as well as appropriate content from the humanities, mathematics and natural sciences. The study of social science helps people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world.

State Goal 14:    Understand political systems, with an emphasis on the United States.

State Goal 15:    Understand economic systems, with an emphasis on the United States.

State Goal 16:    Understand events, trends, individuals and movements shaping the history of Illinois, the United States and other nations.

State Goal 17:    Understand world geography and the effects of geography on society, with an emphasis on the United States.

State Goal 18:    Understand social systems, with an emphasis on the United States.

Physical Development and Health – STATE GOALS:  19-24

The Illinois Learning Standards for Physical Development and Health were developed using National Standards for Physical Education, National Health Education Standards, the 1985 State goals for Physical Development and Health, and other states’ standards and local outcomes from Illinois school districts.

Comprehensive physical development and health programs offer great potential for enhancing the capacity of students’ minds and bodies. Extensive research connects the ability to learn to good health. Healthy minds and bodies are basic to academic success and, in later life, enhance the ability to contribute to a productive work environment.

The goals and standards for physical development and health foster workplace skills, including identifying short – and – long-term goals, utilizing technology, following directions, and working cooperatively with others. Problem solving, communication, responsible decision making, and team-building skills are major emphases as well.

State Goal 19:    Acquire movement skills and understand concepts needed to engage in health-enhancing physical activity.

State Goal 20:    Achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness based upon continual self-assessment.

State Goal 21:    Develop team-building skills by working with others through physical activity.

State Goal 22:    Understand principles of health promotion and the prevention and treatment of illness and injury.

State Goal 23:    Understand human body systems and factors that influence growth and development.

State Goal 24:    Promote and enhance health and well-being through the use of effective communication and decision-making skills.

Fine Arts – STATE GOALS:  25-27

The Illinois Learning Standards for Fine Arts were developed using the National Standards for Arts Education, 1985 State Goals for Fine Arts, various other national and state resources, and local standards contributed by team members.

The Illinois Learning Standards in the Fine Arts address the language of the fine arts, sensory elements, organizational principles and expressive qualities and how the arts are similar, different or related to each other. Students also learn about production and performance in the arts and the role of the arts in civilization. When students study the arts they become informed audience members and informed consumers of the popular culture including electronic media. The standards in fine arts define a comprehensive arts education and reflect a commitment to a quality education for every Illinois school child.

State Goal 25:    Know the language of the arts.

State Goal 26:    Through creating and performing, understand how works of art are produced.

State Goal 27:    Understand the role of the arts in civilizations, past and present.

Foreign Languages – STATE GOALS:  28-30

The benefits of effective foreign language instruction focus on the role of the individual in a multilingual, global society. No longer do Americans live in isolation; instead, there is an ever-changing, interdependent world in which diverse cultural and linguistic groups converge. The National Standards for Foreign Language Learning establish the academic, business, personal, recreational and practical benefits of studying foreign languages, and the Illinois Learning Standards for Foreign Languages are based on this rationale. The national document states:  “To study another language and culture gives one the powerful key to successful communication; knowing how, when, and why to say what to whom. All the linguistic and social knowledge required for effective human-to-human interaction is encompassed in those ten words… The approach to second language instruction found in today’s schools is designed to facilitate genuine interaction with others, whether they are on another continent, across town, or within the neighborhood.

State Goal 28:    Use the target language to communicate within and beyond the classroom setting.

State Goal 29:    Use the target language to develop an understanding of the customs, arts, literature, history and geography associated with the target language.

State Goal 30:    Use the target language to make connections and reinforce knowledge and skills across academic, vocational and technical disciplines.