ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS AND READING 

Grade: 8

Eighth grade students refine and master previously learned knowledge and skills in increasingly complex situations. Students read a variety of classic and contemporary selections (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama). Students deepen reading comprehension through literary and informational analysis, vocabulary study, and class discussions. Students select appropriate forms of writing to communicate ideas and information to specific audiences for specific purposes. Students revise and edit writing for clarity and correct use of conventions to produce final, error-free pieces on a regular basis. 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS AND READING ADVANCED 

Grade: 8 

Eighth grade English Language Arts Advanced is an open enrollment course. English Language Arts Advanced students refine and master previously learned knowledge and skills in increasingly complex situations in preparation for the rigor of middle school and high school advanced courses. Students read a variety of classic and contemporary selections (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama) inside and outside of class. Students deepen reading comprehension through literary and informational analysis, vocabulary study, and class discussions. Students select appropriate forms of writing to communicate ideas and information to specific audiences for specific purposes. Students revise and edit writing for clarity and correct use of conventions to produce final, error-free pieces on a regular basis. 

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MATH  

Grade: 8 

The primary focal points of eighth grade math are rational and irrational numbers; equations and inequalities with variables on both sides; applications of surface area and volume; attributes of linear relationships; transformational geometry; statistical procedures to  describe data; and personal financial literacy.  Students explore and apply these concepts using problem solving models, tools and technology, multiple representation, communication and justification of ideas.

ALGEBRA I (ADVANCED) 

Credit: 1 (Mathematics) 

Grade: 8 

Prerequisite: 7th Grade Accelerated Math or credit by examination for 8th Grade Mathematics (8th Grade Math or its equivalent is required in order to enroll in Algebra I.)

In Algebra I, students will build on the knowledge and skills for mathematics in grades 6-8, which provide a foundation in linear relationships, number and operations, and proportionality. Students will study linear, quadratic, and exponential functions and their related transformations, equations, and associated solutions. Students will connect functions and their associated solutions in both mathematical and real-world situations. Students will use technology to collect and explore data and analyze statistical relationships. In addition, students will study polynomials of degree one and two, radical expressions, sequences, and laws of exponents. Students will generate and solve linear systems with two equations and two variables and will create new functions through transformations. Grades earned in high school courses taken in middle school are included in the high school GPA. Students take Algebra I End of Course State Assessment.  *A middle school student may withdraw from a high school credit course for which a state EOC exam is required by the end of the fourth week of the third nine weeks of the course.

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SCIENCE  

Grade: 8TH/ADVANCED 

In grades 6 through 8 science, content is organized into recurring strands. The concepts within each grade level build on prior knowledge, prepare students for the next grade level, and establish a foundation for high school courses. In grade 8, the following concepts will be addressed in each strand. The strands are scientific and engineering practices, matter and energy, force, motion and energy, earth and space, and organisms and environments.  The student, for at least 40% of instructional time, asks questions, identifies problems, and plans and safely conducts classroom, laboratory, and field investigations to answer questions, explain phenomena, or design solutions using appropriate tools and models. 

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SOCIAL STUDIES -- US HISTORY TO 1877

Grade: 8TH/ADVANCED

The focus of 8th grade Social Studies is U.S. History to 1877, studying the history of the United States from the early colonial period through Reconstruction. Historical content focuses on the political, economic, and social events of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Students will expand their knowledge of historical events by analyzing and evaluating documents relating to the geographic, economic, governmental, cultural, and technological factors influencing the growth and development of the United States. 

SOCIAL STUDIES DUAL LANGUAGE  -- US HISTORY TO 1877

Grade: 8TH/ADVANCED

Prerequisite: Participation in a Dual Language Program and/or Spanish proficiency. 

The focus of 8th grade Social Studies is U.S. History to 1877, studying the history of the United States from the early colonial period through Reconstruction. Historical content focuses on the political, economic, and social events of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Students will expand their knowledge of historical events by analyzing and evaluating documents relating to the geographic, economic, governmental, cultural, and technological factors influencing the growth and development of the United States. This course is designed for students participating in the dual language program and is taught in Spanish.

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8th GRADE PE 

Grade: 8

Students in 8th Grade Physical Education will learn to care for their personal health by studying basic health information such as hands-only CPR, hygiene, nutrition, substance abuse, stress management, self-esteem, body image, conflict resolution, sportsmanship, sleep, rest and time management while participating in team handball, volleyball, weight training, basketball, golf, badminton, and lacrosse. The goal of 8th Grade PE is to provide students with the exposure to a variety of individual and team sport-related physical activities to better prepare them for a physically active lifestyle. This course covers most of the eighth-grade PE TEKS and most of the seventh/eighth-grade health education TEKS. 

DANCE WELLNESS 3 

Grade: 8 

Course: 7022.R0000.X Prerequisite: Must be an eighth-grade student and have taken Dance 1, Dance 2, Dance Wellness 1, Dance Wellness 2 or Functional Dance. 

Dance Wellness 3 is designed for students to demonstrate, create, and evaluate dance movement elements associated with the elements of dance, ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop, tap, and choreographic processes in cooperative groups or individually. Students will learn to care for their personal health by studying basic health information such as hands-only CPR, hygiene, nutrition, substance abuse, stress management, self esteem, body image, conflict resolution, sportsmanship, sleep, rest and time management. Students may have the opportunity to perform in a public performance setting. Out-of-school rehearsals and performances may be required. 

ATHLETICS COURSES 

Grade: 7-8 

Course: 7037.R1000.X (7th; semester), 7038.R1000.X (8th; semester) Prerequisite: Approval by the athletic coach 

Students will participate in athletic activities during this class, which can be substituted for a physical education credit.