English Language Arts & Reading
This course integrates oral and written conventions, listening and speaking skills, and composition, and integrates the study of literature, reading analysis and response, vocabulary development, media literacy, listening and speaking skills and research. It develops and strengthens speaking and writing skills through both oral and written practice, including the integration of grammar and spelling skills within the writing process. Writing skills are developed through the use of mentor texts and through writing instruction that addresses a variety of genres, while focusing on literary and expository writing. Students will develop more complex reading skills by analyzing a variety of literature genres, including fiction, expository, literary nonfiction, drama, poetry, persuasive, procedural, and various forms of media.
Advanced English Language Arts & Reading
Advanced English & Reading 8 will focus on the same TEKS prescribed by the State of Texas for the grade level but will emphasize the advanced application of reading and writing skills in increasingly complex texts across a variety of genres as well as in various original compositions and responses to text. Students will be challenged to become critical thinkers through analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of higher-order thinking with instruction designed at a greater depth in order to prepare for Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and/or Dual Credit courses. These courses are designed for students who show an advanced aptitude in reading and writing.
English Learners Language Arts Grade
Objectives and expectations mirror those of English Grade 8 with the addition of foundational language development expectations. Course content is adapted and scaffolded as appropriate for English learners (ELLs) proficiency levels using the ELLA TEKS. The course focuses on the interconnected nature of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking through the seven integrated strands of developing and sustaining foundational language skills. This course is designed for beginning to intermediate English-speaking students with less than 3 years in the US. ELLA 8210 should be used for double block purposes.