Course Description:

The Advanced English 8 course emphasizes literature, writing, and critical thinking skills through a combination of essays, literature, and speaking experiences, such as formal presentations and inquiry-based discussions. This course provides an in-depth study of the genres of literature and complex literary terms, and a variety of writing experiences, including an emphasis on the writing process and advanced research methods culminating in a research paper. The depth and pacing will differ from English 8 in that learners will be expected to routinely work independently, both in and out of school, on self-guided assignments and explore more complex, advanced texts; learners will be expected to take initiative with critical analysis of these texts to form their own conclusions. Vocabulary study is derived from various works of literature, including SAT vocabulary enrichment. Instructors are encouraged to utilize 6+1 Traits^®, graphic organizers, and personalized learning strategies.

Course/Grade Competency:

MS.3 The learner will comprehend and draw conclusions about the author’s intent when reading a variety of increasingly complex, nonfictional texts, and cite a range of relevant and compelling textual evidence to support their analyses.

Content Objectives:

The learner will:

• • Analyze the central idea or theme, and support conclusions about how the text’s organization, content, reasoning, and use of evidence support the author’s point of view.

  • Compare and integrate relevant information from multiple sources, and synthesize conflicting information on the same topics/subjects when developing understanding of a text.

  • Determine the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words or phrases based on eight grade reading content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.

  • Analyze and evaluate how authors portray similar topics, events, or issues, and interpret how the treatment affects the message.

Course/Grade Competency:

MS.5 The learner will produce clear, coherent, and effective expository writing for a range of types, purposes, and audiences.

Content Objectives:

The learner will:

• • Explicitly identify a focus and use informational text structures to develop and elaborate on a central idea or theme.

  • Maintain a focus, point of view, formal style, and tone using techniques and features that organize, analyze, and elaborate on information presented.

  • Locate and integrate relevant and credible information from multiple source into a text.

  • Develop a conclusion that summarizes or synthesizes key information presented in support of a central idea or theme.

  • Use correct punctuation, spelling, and grammar in a finished product.

  • Edit and revise text for clarity, coherence, and intent.

Course/Grade Competency:

MS.7 The learner will initiate and participate effectively in speaking and listening for a variety of purposes and audiences (e.g., informal discussions, formal presentations), listen to diverse perspectives, and express ideas clearly and purposefully.

Content Objectives:

The learner will:

• • Present grade-appropriate information that is supported with evidence and elaboration while addressing questions with relevant ideas and comments.

  • Analyze, interpret, evaluate, and use information delivered orally or visually.

  • Compose and orally deliver a presentation for different purposes and audiences, integrating visual, graphic, digital, and/or audio enhancements when appropriate for clarifying the message or intent.

  • Communicate clearly following standard English conventions.

Course/Grade Competency:

MS.9 The learner will demonstrate the ability to appropriately use the tools of technology, including digital media and the Internet, to gather, interpret, and analyze information and create sharable products.

Content Objectives:

The learner will:

• • Strategically integrate multimedia and visual displays into presentations to clarify information, strengthen claims and evidence, and add interest.

  • Use digital tools and reference materials to interpret intended word meanings, expand understanding from definitional to conceptual, and apply them when communicating.