8th Grade Courses
English Language Arts and Reading
0801 Language Arts
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 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.
Mathematics
0811 Mathematics 8
Prerequisite: None
This course includes the study of: algebra, data analysis, statistics, probability, geometry and spatial sense, measurement, number and operations, patterns and functions, and problem-solving. Students are expected to solve problems by matching strategies to given situations that are real world applicable. Emphasis is placed on logical thinking processes. Daily homework is required.
0812AM Advanced Mathematics 8
Prerequisite: Master Grade Level on last Math STAAR on the first administration and/or the incoming Algebra Readiness score requirement (as outlined within the MAP criteria under C&I); Attendance or Review of Annual Parent Orientation
This course continues the study of mathematics that builds an algebraic foundation within the five content strands of mathematics: Number Sense and Operations, Proportionality; Expressions, Equations, and Relationships; Measurement and Data; and Personal Financial Literacy. The primary focal areas in this course 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. The development of the rational number system (fractions and decimals), the use of multiple variables to solve mathematical problems, and the Cartesian coordinate system as a tool to describe linear relationships are emphasized. This course will develop a deeper understanding of 8th grade mathematics culminating with a thorough introduction to Algebra in preparation for Algebra 1 next year. Learners enrolled in this course will take the STAAR Math 8 exam.
0812 HS Algebra 1
Prerequisite: Master Grade Level on last Math STAAR on the first administration and/or the incoming Algebra Readiness score requirement (as outlined within the MAP criteria under C&I); Attendance or Review of Annual Parent Orientation
One High School credit
Complete the end of course EOC STAAR exam. The course involves a study of the 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 acquire a basic knowledge of the structure and use of algebra.
Daily homework is required. Students who pass the course and the EOC STAAR exam will receive 1.0 high school credit.
Science
0831 Science
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 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.
Social Studies
0821 American History
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 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.
Physical Education - Athletics
0842B / 0842G Athletics
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.
Required Courses
0888 Principles of Audio/Video Technology
Prerequisite: None
The Principles of Audio/Video Technology provides an overview in designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing, and publishing multimedia content including visual arts and design. Students will develop AV skills, which include audio/video production, technology applications, video game design, animation and graphic design, by using a variety of computer hardware and software applications to complete assignments and projects. Students will also develop an understanding of the various and multifaceted career opportunities in this cluster and the knowledge, skills, and educational requirements for those opportunities.
Prerequisite: None
AND/OR
0887 Principles of Applied Engineering
Principles of Applied Engineering provides an overview of the various fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and their interrelationships. Students will develop engineering communication skills, which include computer graphics, modeling, and presentations, by using a variety of computer hardware and software applications to complete assignments and projects. Upon completing this course, students will have an understanding of the various fields of engineering and will be able to make informed career decisions. Further, students will have worked on a design team to develop a product or system. Students will use multiple software applications to prepare and present course assignments.
Recommended Prerequisite: Robotics I
0842 HS Health (Semester Course)
Prerequisite: None
.5 high school credit
This course is a study of personal Health and fitness, getting along with yourself and others, nutrition and your health, drugs in society (benefits and dangers), maintaining a healthy body, family and social health, consumer health, safety and first aid, treating, controlling, and preventing diseases, and the health of the environment in the community. High school credit is awarded if the student passes the course with an average of 70 or higher.
PAIRED WITH
0882 Enrichment (Semester Course)
Prerequisite: None
The course focuses on the skills and strategies necessary for students to make a successful transition into high school and an academic career. Students explore the options available in high school, higher education, and the professional world in order to establish both immediate and long-range personal goals.
Electives
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.
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.
0878 Future Problem Solvers (FPS)
Suggested Prerequisite: Above average Reading and Writing Skills
The Future Problem Solving class is a year-long curriculum project and a program that encompasses state and international competition. FPS students work in teams and apply the creative problem solving process to current topics. The FPS class is designed to motivate students to develop creative thinking, increase awareness of and an interest in the future, improve oral and written communication, learn and utilize problem solving strategies, develop and improve research techniques, develop critical and analytical thinking skills, and develop teamwork skills.
0860 HS Spanish 1-B
Successful completion of Spanish 1-A AND Spanish 1-B will result in 1.0 high school credit
Required Prerequisite: Spanish 1-A with passing final average
Suggested Prerequisite: Commended performance on Reading STAAR assessment or fluent Spanish-speaker
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.
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 Career Cluster, including counseling and mental health, early childhood development, family and community, personal care, and consumer services.
Interventions
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.