8th Grade

Advanced Language arts

811 (State Course Number: 0420)

Reading and Literature, grade 8, based on Indiana’s Academic Standards for English/Language Arts, is integrated instruction emphasizing reading (Guiding Principles for Reading), in content that is interest- and age- appropriate. Students begin to study the history and development of English vocabulary. Students begin to compare different types of writing as well as different perspectives on similar topics or themes. Students evaluate the logic of informational texts and analyze how literature reflects the backgrounds, attitudes, and beliefs of the authors.

Prerequisite: NWEA 85th percentile, Star Reader score at 8th grade level, LA 7 B average

Algebra I

821 (State Course Number: 2520)

Algebra I is made up of 5 strands: Real Numbers and Expressions; Functions; Linear Equations, Inequalities, and Functions; Systems of Equations and Inequalities; Quadratic and Exponential Equations and Functions; and Data Analysis and Statistics. 

Prerequisite: NWEA 85th percentile, Iowa Aptitude Test 85th percentile, Aleks 85th percentile, Math 7 - B average

health and wellness

859 (State Course Number: 0452)

Health and Wellness, grade 8 provides for the continued development of attitudes and behaviors related to becoming a health-literate individual as part of a planned, sequential, comprehensive health education curriculum that uses the Indiana Academic Standards for Health and Wellness to support student development of essential health skills within the ten health content areas. In grade eight, students focus on continued skill development and more opportunities for analyzing, modeling, and applying skills that will assist in building competencies for health literacy. 

Prerequisite: None

Physical education

862 (State Course Number: 0450)

Physical Education in grade 8 based on the Indiana Academic Standards for Physical Education. Students in grade 8 physical education further refine complex motor skills and competencies in selected individual and dual lifetime physical activities, team sports, aquatics, adventure, and rhythmic activities. Students work toward achieving competence in increasingly complex physical activity contexts. Students learn to apply interdisciplinary knowledge (e.g., anatomy, physics) to activity settings and focus on 35 Indiana Department of Education Elementary and Middle Level Subject Descriptions working as a team to solve problems. 

Prerequisite: None

Math / Language Enrichment (ER)

845 (State Course Number: 0432/0428)

Language Arts/Math  Lab is supplemental to Language Art and Math  to provide students with a structured individualized or small group or class  instruction designed to support success in completing Language Arts studies aligned with Indiana's Academic Standards for English/Language Arts and Math. Students will be given remedial instruction to address weakness found on ILEARN, NWEA, and classroom work. 

Students may opt of enrichment, in order to opt out, students must meet at least 2 of the 3 following criteria:

1. NWEA scores are at or above the 80 percentile in either Math or English scores from the MOY test. 

2. Current Grade Average in 7th grade Math and/or English B or higher.(Either One allows qualification- does not have to be both) 

3. Star Reader at 8th grade Level 

The final decision will be made by the Principal (or his designee).  Input can be sought by the guidance counselor and Math and/or English teacher.  The student must also have a Parent Signature of Permission form on file. *All high school credit courses are subject to teacher availability.

Prerequisite: None

choir

871 (State Course Number: 0444)

Vocal Music, Middle Level is based on the Indiana Academic Standards for Music and provides students the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills learned in the elementary music curriculum by participating in choral ensemble classes. Ensemble classes provide group and solo activities and are designed to develop students' musicianship including vocal production, technical skills, and intonation. 

Prerequisite: None

Band

870 (State Course Number: 0442)

Middle Level is based on the Indiana Academic Standards for Music and provides students the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills learned in the elementary music curriculum by beginning or continuing to play an instrument. The instrumental classes provide instruction in any of the following areas: strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, guitar, and keyboard instruments, including electronic instruments.

Prerequisite: None

Technology (robotics)

878 (State Course Number: 0490)

Engineering and Technology Education, Middle Level provides students with hands-on, problem-based learning opportunities to develop, produce, use, and assess products related to engineering and technology. Students additionally develop individual and teamwork skills to participate in society and the workplace. The four domains included in these standards are general engineering and technology concepts, engineering design and development, producing and using technology, and technology careers.

Prerequisite: None

art

872/848 (State Course Number: 0410)

Visual Art, Middle Level is based on the Indiana Academic Standards for Visual Arts. Students in the middle level program builds on the sequential learning experiences of the elementary program that encompasses art history, criticism, aesthetics, and production. Through self-reflection, including dialogue, reading, and writing, students analyze each component of their arts education as well as their own personal growth. 

Prerequisite: None

Business and information technology

818 (State Course Number: 0494)

Middle Level provides concepts and applications that facilitate the development of competencies required for success in all academic areas and in real-world contexts. The curriculum relates closely to understandings and competencies students will need as their world expands and as they develop career interests. The four broad areas included in this curriculum are technology, career exploration, personal financial responsibility, and basic business (business communications, marketing, and entrepreneurship). 

Prerequisite: None

Spanish I

815 (State Course Number: 2120)

This course encourages interpersonal communication through speaking and writing, providing opportunities to make and respond to basic requests and questions, understand and use appropriate greetings and forms of address, participate in brief guided conversations on familiar topics, and write short passages with guidance.

Prerequisite: MEET OPT OUT REQUIREMENTS FOR ER CLASS 

GERMAN I

819  (State Course Number: 2040)

 This course encourages interpersonal communication through speaking and writing, providing opportunities to make and respond to basic requests and questions, understand and use appropriate greetings and forms of address, participate in brief guided conversations on familiar topics, and write short passages with guidance. 

Teachers Remarks: "In German I you will learn to read, write, listen and speak in German. Topics will be simple, such as personal introductions, everyday items, such as school supplies, hobbies, the school day, shopping, eating, the calendar, and the family. Active participation is an important component of this class. Every student will have to speak and write in German."

Prerequisite: MEET OPT OUT REQUIREMENTS FOR ER CLASS 

preparing for college and careers

813 (State Course Number: 5394)

This course addresses the knowledge, skills and behaviors all students  need to prepare for success in college, career, and life.  Topics include twenty-first century life and career skills.

Prerequisite: None

Introduction to business

814 (State Course Number: 4518)

Introduction to Business introduces students to the world of business.  The course develops business vocabulary and provides an overview of business and the role that business plays in economic, social, and political environments.

Prerequisite: None

Introduction to engineering

816 (State Course Number: 4812)

This course is a fundamental pre-engineering course where students become familiar with the engineering design process. Students work both individually and in teams to design solutions to a variety of problems using industry standard sketches and current 3D design and modeling software to represent and communicate solutions.

Prerequisite: Algebra I - strong, OPT OUT REQUIREMENTS FOR ER

Introduction to Agriculture

817 (State Course Number: 5056)

This is the first course in vocational agriculture.  It is recommended for incoming FFA members.  This course includes agricultural occupations, service projects and other experiences. 

This is a beginning course for all Agriculture pathways.  The course touches on all of the agriculture courses.      

Prerequisite: OPT OUT REQUIREMENTS FOR ER 

Introduction to Radio and Television

899 (State Course Number: 5986)

Radio and Television I focuses on communication, media and production. Emphasis is placed on career opportunities, production, programming, promotion, sales, performance, and equipment operation.

Prerequisite: OPT OUT REQUIREMENTS FOR ER