8th Grade Course of Study

English 8: (required- available to 8th grade only)

This class includes reading, writing, listening and speaking, vocabulary development, and English language conventions. Students read a variety of texts, including novels, short fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Students develop their writing skills in the following genres: argument writing, literature response, narrative writing, reflective writing, informative writing, and poetry. Vocabulary study focuses on academic language and the origins and history of the English language. Listening and speaking strategies, including collegial discussion techniques, are emphasized during class discussions, presentations, and Socratic seminars.

Math: All students are required to take Math 8 or Algebra I (High School Level). Placement in math class is based off of which course was completed in 6th grade and/or results from the MDTP placement test. If a student does not take a placement test, they will be placed in their grade level class. 

• Math 8: This course is designed to prepare students for the rigorous demands of the Common Core Algebra course and the associated national standardized testing that was instituted in the 2015-2016 school year. CC3 is the third step in a progression that begins with CC1 and focuses on the Linear Algebraic concepts related primarily to equations, systems of equations and inequalities and parts of Plane Geometry. The overall teaching goal is not only to prepare our students for success in the higher levels of Common Core Mathematics, but to develop the "habits of mind" also known as Mathematical Practices, along with life- and problem-solving skills that benefit other areas of their lives.

• Algebra I: This is the first course in a five-year sequence of college preparatory mathematics courses that starts with Algebra I and continues through Calculus. It aims to deepen and extend student understanding built in previous courses by focusing on developing fluency with solving linear equations, inequalities, and systems. These skills are extended to solving quadratic equations, exploring linear, quadratic, and exponential functions graphically, numerically, symbolically, and as sequences, and by using regression techniques to analyze the fit of models to distributions of data.

*if a student passes Algebra I with a C or higher as a 7th grader, they will be scheduled to take Geometry. Algebra I and Geometry are high school classes- if a student is placed in either of those courses, they will be with students in 9th-12th grade. 

Social Science 8: Early United States History (required-available to 8th grade only)

This class focuses on US history and geography. Students will learn about historical events and civilizations that changed and grew from the Age of Exploration to the Turn of the Century.

Science 8: Physical Science (required-available to 8th grade only)

This course is designed to introduce students to fundamental concepts of physics and chemistry while strengthening their scientific and engineering skills.

Physical Education (required)

This course is designed in accordance with State of California mandated guidelines to provide our middle school students daily opportunities to exercise with emphasis on stretching, cardiovascular and core exercises.  Students focus on different activities throughout the year as well, based on a student survey of elected sports.