0801 Language Arts 8
Prerequisite: None
Students read a variety of literary forms and explore different cultures and historical periods through literature. Emphasis is placed on reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and application of the literary elements. Students respond to literature through journal entries, essays, creative products, and graphic organizers. Students will use application of writing purposes and forms for a variety of audiences to respond to various genres.
0802 Language Arts 8 Honors
Course Requirement: Maintain a Semester Average of 70 or Higher to Continue Enrollment
This course is for those students who show high academic ability for reading. Students read a wide variety of literary forms and explore different cultures and historical periods through literature. Emphasis is placed on an in-depth mastery on the eighth grade TEKS, reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and application of the literary elements. Students respond to literature through journal entries, essays, creative products, and graphic organizers. Students will use application of writing purposes and forms for a variety of audiences to respond to various genres.
0811 Mathematics 8
Prerequisite: Mathematics 7
The primary focal areas in Grade 8 are proportionality; expressions, equations, relationships, and foundations of functions; and measurement and data. Students use concepts, algorithms, and properties of real numbers to explore mathematical relationships and to describe increasingly complex situations. Students communicate information about geometric figures or situations by quantifying attributes, generalize procedures from measurement experiences, spatial reasoning, and use the procedures to solve problems. Through application of knowledge and skills acquired throughout the year, students will use appropriate statistics, representations of data, and reasoning to draw conclusions, and evaluate arguments. Students are expected to solve problems by matching strategies to given situations that are real world applicable. Emphasis is placed on logical thinking processes. Learners enrolled in this course will take the STAAR Math 8 exam.
0812 Mathematics 8 Honors
Prerequisite: Mathematics 7
At the honors level, this course addresses the same essential knowledge and skills for grade 8 math with emphasis given to the depth and complexity of the content. Students will be exposed to a broader scope, given more opportunities for exploration, analysis, and application of knowledge and skills. This course is recommended for students who exhibit a high interest and competency in mathematics. Learners enrolled in this course will take the STAAR Math 8 exam.
0813 HS Algebra 1
Prerequisite (not previously enrolled in Grade 7 MAP): At least Meets Grade level on the Grade 8 Math STAAR exam
Prerequisite (previously enrolled in MAP): At least Meets Grade Level on 7th grade Math STAAR and successful completion of 7th Grade MAP
Complete the end of course EOC STAAR exam. The course will address all of the essential knowledge and skills for Algebra I and will focus on linear and quadratic relationships and problem solving in real situations thus allowing students to develop logical reasoning by making and justifying generalizations based on their experiences with fundamental algebraic concepts. Other concepts to be covered include the study of real numbers and their properties, simplifying expressions, the language of algebra, solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities, linear and quadratic relations and functions, ratios, proportions and variations, and polynomials. The student should leave the course with a basic knowledge of the structures and application of algebra. Students in this course will also use tools such as concrete manipulatives and graphing calculators.
Students who pass the course and the EOC STAAR exam will receive 1.0 high school credit.
As required now in Title 19 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), §101.3011, students who have completed STAAR EOC assessments while in middle school must take either the corresponding ACT or the SAT while in high school to fulfill federal testing requirements. ALL ADVANCED TESTERS WILL take the SAT or ACT in the Spring of their junior year, or Fall of their senior year if it has not been taken prior.
0831 Science 8
Prerequisite: None
This is a developmentally appropriate laboratory/field oriented course which focuses on earth science but incorporates principles from biology, chemistry and physics. Units on career opportunities and the application of science in daily life are part of the course.
0832 Science 8 Honors
Course Requirement: Maintain a Semester Average of 70 or Higher to Continue Enrollment
This course is for those students who exhibit a high interest in science. The course covers the regular eighth grade science curriculum, with emphasis given to the depth and complexity of the content through more difficult laboratory, computer, graphing, and mapping activities. Students will be expected to complete projects and some performance tasks at home.
0821 American History 8
Prerequisite: None
This course is a survey of American History from the prehistoric era through the United States Civil War and Reconstruction. It stresses the geographic, economic, political, social and cultural influences on the development of the United States. Democratic attitudes, values, and the skills for citizenship are stressed as appropriate.
0822 American History 8 Honors
Course Requirement: Maintain a Semester Average of 70 or Higher to Continue Enrollment
This course is for those students who show a high academic ability and interest for social studies. The course develops the same skills and concepts as the regular eighth grade American History curriculum, but the content will have more depth and complexity. Extensive writing, informal classroom debates on historical issues, and mini projects are required of the student.
0889 Career & College Exploration
Prerequisite: None
The goal of Career and College Exploration is to help students build career awareness and engage in deep exploration and study of the Texas CTE career clusters to create a foundation for success in high school, possible postsecondary studies, and careers. The career development process is unique to every person and evolves throughout one's life. In Career and College Exploration, students use decision-making and problem-solving skills for individual career and academic planning. Students explore valid, reliable educational and career information to learn more about themselves and their interests and abilities. Students integrate skills from academic subjects, information technology, and interpersonal communication to make informed decisions. This course is designed to guide students through the process of investigating and developing a college and career readiness plan. Students use aptitude and interest inventory assessments, labor market information, software, or other tools available to explore a variety of career paths, especially those in demand. Students will begin mapping their anticipated secondary coursework and potential postsecondary experiences that are in alignment with their goals.
0842B / 0842G Athletics 8
Prerequisite: UIL Physical examination required by the deadline
This course will teach the values of teamwork, the improvement of fundamentals, and knowledge of the rules of a particular sport. Off-season activities will also be integrated in this course and will include weightlifting and conditioning programs. Students from this course are required to try-out for three of the following sports: football, volleyball, basketball, track, and cross country. Passing grades in all enrolled classes is required to participate in UIL events according to UIL No Pass No Play Rule.
0879 Art 8
Prerequisite: None
This full year course will consist of student’s thinking about, planning, and creating original artworks while combining their thoughts and ideas with innovation and creativity. Elements and principles of art will be examined and explored through in-depth hands on activities such as drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Students that are interested in art will benefit from their knowledge learned in this course to enhance their future work.
0880 Advanced Art 8
Prerequisite: Art 6 or Art 7
This full year course will continue the study of dance, music, theatre, and the visual arts to offer unique experiences and empower students to explore realities, relationships, and ideas. These disciplines engage and motivate all students through active learning, critical thinking, and innovative problem solving. The fine arts develop cognitive functioning and increase student academic achievement, higher-order thinking, communication, and collaboration skills, making the fine arts applicable to college readiness, career opportunities, workplace environments, social skills, and everyday life. Students develop aesthetic and cultural awareness through exploration, leading to creative expression.
0872 Band 8
Prerequisite: Beginning Band – In school auditions
Students will meet in full band ensemble to receive further fundamental and technique training on a more advanced level. Students will be assigned to the symphonic or concert band based on in-school auditions. Students at this level may be involved in UIL competition. Passing grades in all enrolled classes is required to participate in UIL events according to UIL No Pass No Play Rule.
0873 Choir 8
Prerequisite: None
This course emphasizes the development of basic vocal techniques and skills including good posture, tone quality, breath support, diction, and attack and release. Attention is given to the understanding and practice of basic elements of music including music reading skills. Students may have the opportunity to sing in foreign languages while studying a variety of styles of choral music. Vocal independence is emphasized in the performance opportunities that will be given. This is considered a beginning-level class.
0875 Theatre 8
Prerequisite: None
Theatre Arts 1 is an introductory course for theatre. Its primary purpose is to expose the student to various aspects of this art form. The course covers self-perception, history of the theater, acting, set design, and a history of American film.
0776 Advanced Theatre Arts 8
Prerequisite: Theatre Arts 6 or Theatre Arts 7
Advanced Theatre expands on the foundations taught in Theatre I. Students will get to put their knowledge of movement and characterization to work as they collaborate in writing and/or performing more complex scenes and activities. Advanced Theatre students will also partake in one full length production, as well as short plays for our feeder elementaries. They will learn basic stage makeup and get an introduction to special effects makeup. Students will also learn and understand the basic foundations of technical theatre, which include the design and execution of simple set designs for class productions and the One Act Play competition.
0884 Journalism 8
Prerequisite: None
This is an introductory course designed to explore written forms for a variety of audiences and purposes. Students will learn: journalistic traditions and styles, research selected topics, learn principles of publishing, how to conduct interviews, gather news, write headlines and captions, take basic photographs, and use professional desktop publishing programs. Students will use these skills to produce their final product: the middle school yearbook.
0885 Library / Office Aide
Prerequisite: No referrals from previous year
Students will be chosen to assist the librarian with various library responsibilities such as using the computer to check books out to students, re-shelf returned books, and assist students with research needs by locating books as well as with Internet services for research purposes. Likewise, students may be enrolled as an office aide. These responsibilities consist of helping the front office with delivering items to classrooms, retrieving items from classrooms or workrooms, and helping the attendance clerk or nurse with errands needed on a daily basis.
0890 Principles of Human Services
Prerequisite: None
1 High School Credit
Principles of Human Services is a laboratory course that will enable students to investigate careers in the Human Services or the Education & Training Career Cluster, including counseling and mental health, early childhood development, family and community, personal care, consumer services and teaching & training.
6001J HS Spanish 1
Prerequisite: None
1 High School Credit
This Level 1 High School Spanish course offers the student an opportunity for acquisition of the four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The primary objective of this Level 1 course is to develop audio-lingual skills and to obtain a mastery of simple basic communicative structures, while learning to socialize, ask for and provide information, express feelings and opinions, and persuade others to adopt a course of action. Successful completion of this course will satisfy the first level of the two foreign language credits required for graduation.
8805J Fundamentals of Computer Science **New Course Offering**
Prerequisite: None
1 High School Credit
Fundamentals of Computer Science is intended as a first course for those students just beginning the study of computer science. Students will learn about the computing tools that are used every day. Students will foster their creativity and innovation through opportunities to design, implement, and present solutions to real-world problems. Students will collaborate and use computer science concepts to access, analyze, and evaluate information needed to solve problems. Students will learn the problem-solving and reasoning skills that are the foundation of computer science. By using computer science knowledge and skills that support the work of individuals and groups in solving problems, students will select the technology appropriate for the task, synthesize knowledge, create solutions, and evaluate the results. Students will learn digital citizenship by researching current laws and regulations and by practicing integrity and respect. Students will gain an understanding of the principles of computer science through the study of technology operations and concepts. The six strands include creativity and innovation; communication and collaboration; research and information fluency; critical thinking; problem solving, and decision making; digital citizenship; and technology operations and concepts.
8741J Drone Robotics **New Course Offering**
Prerequisite: None
1 High School Credit
In Drone Robotics, students will transfer academic skills to component designs in a project- based environment through implementation of the design process. Students will build prototypes or use simulation software to test their designs. Students will explore career opportunities, employer expectations, and educational needs in the robotic and automation industry. Additionally, students will build a deep infusion of commercial drone education, with a focus on coding/programming drones and preparing for competition.
0803 English / Language Arts (ELA) Academy
Prerequisite: Intervention
Required for students who do not meet the minimum State Board of Education performance standards on the 7th grade Reading or Writing portion of the STAAR assessment during the primary administration.
This mandatory year long course will be taken in addition to the student’s regular language arts class and will take the place of an elective class. Course content will support the regular language arts curriculum and will focus on key skills to improve the student’s STAAR Reading score. Various instructional methods, along with computer software, will be used to increase reading skills and reading comprehension. Emphasis is placed on reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and application of the literary elements and writing skills to communicate efficiently.
Language Academy/ESL
Prerequisite: Intervention; Participation in the ESL program.
The focus of Language Academy/ESL is placed on accelerated English language acquisition in the domains of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through the integrated use of sheltered instruction, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills and the ELPS. The courses use the state-adopted textbook along with resources and materials that are appropriate for the linguistic levels of the students and promote academic success in all grade level content areas.
Students are placed in the appropriate course A or B, based on the previous year’s TELPAS Composite Score.
0805A Language Academy A - Required and designed to support EL students in their Year 1 to Year 3 in U.S. schools and those scoring at a Beginner Level on TELPAS. Students will work toward acquiring basic English and being introduced to academic language.
0805B Language Academy B - Required and designed to support EL students who have not yet achieved an Advanced High on TELPAS and are working towards more developed academic and social language.
0813 Math Academy
Prerequisite: Intervention
Required for students who do not meet the minimum State Board of Education performance standards on the 7th grade Math portion of the STAAR assessment during the primary administration.
This mandatory year long course will be taken in addition to the student’s regular math class and will take the place of an elective class. Course content will support the regular math curriculum and will focus on key skills to improve the student’s STAAR Math score. Various instructional methods, along with computer software, will be used to increase computational skills and problem-solving.
0804 Reading Academy
Prerequisite: Intervention
Required for students who have been identified with dyslexia and the ARD or 504 committee has determined a need for explicit and systematic dyslexia instruction.
This mandatory year long course will be taken in addition to the student’s regular reading class and will take the place of an elective option. Dyslexia instruction provides a structured, multisensory approach to literacy placing an emphasis on the critical, evidence-based components of dyslexia intervention to include: Phonological Awareness, Sound-Symbol Association, Syllabication, Orthography, Morphology, Syntax, Reading Comprehension and Reading Fluency.
Course Offering Availability Subject to Student Enrollment and Staffing Levels.