Suggesting that all students are capable of learning and can achieve high levels of competency when teachers delineate their expectations, this digest focuses on Outcome-Based Education (OBE) in the language arts classroom. The digest delineates some of the tenets of OBE, including the necessity of clearly defined objectives, students having choices and options, and instructional levels determined after assessment of student mastery. The digest also discusses creating a community of readers and writers, ongoing assessment by students and instructors, and replacement of textbooks with tradebooks and authentic materials. The digest also imparts discussion of three secrets of success of an outcome-based education program: (1) attempt to have all staff in concert with the tenets of the program; (2) continue to conference with content area teachers; and (3) success is contagious. (RS)