Department/Grade:   English/Grade 8         Course:  English                     Revision Date:  April 2008

Required/Elective:  Required           Course Length: 90 days        Prerequisite:  7^th Grade English

Course Description: 

Students will continue to develop vocabulary, improve writing skills through essay writing and grammar practice, use graphic organizers in both reading and writing tasks, use reading strategies to improve comprehension, and develop skills necessary for researching ideas and writing and documenting said research.

COURSE OBJECTIVES	CONTENT/TIMELINE OUTLINE
1.  Students will be able to identify and apply the meaning of new vocabulary. Standards: 1.1.8 C Use knowledge of root words as well as well as context clues and glossaries to understand specialized vocabulary in the content areas during reading. Use these words accurately in speaking and writing 1.1.8 F Understand the meaning of and apply key vocabulary across the various subject areas.	- Identify how the meaning of a word is changed when an affix is added; identify and apply the meaning of a word from the text with an affix - Define and/or apply how the meaning of words or phrases changes when using context clues given in explanatory sentences. -Identify and/or apply meaning of multiple-meaning words used in text.
2. Students will continue to practice learned grammar skills and learn basic grammar techniques that will help them to improve writing. Standards: 1.5.8 D. Write with an understanding of the stylistic aspects of composition. 1.5.8 F. Edit writing using the conventions of language. 1.7.8 A. Describe the origins and meanings of common, learned and foreign words used frequently in English language. 1.7. 8 B. Analyze the role and place of standard American English in speech, writing and literature. 1.7.8 C. Identify new words that have been added to the English language over time.	-Identify, describe, analyze and create all eight parts of speech. -Identify, explain, and analyze the origins and on-going changes of the English language. -Identify, analyze, and demonstrate correct use of capitalization and punctuation. -Identify, describe, analyze, demonstrate, and diagram correct sentence structure. -Identify, explain, and describe complements: indirect objects, direct objects, predicate nominatives, and predicate adjectives. Identify, describe, analyze, and demonstrate correct subject-verb agreement.
3. Students will be able to create effective, logically organized writing demonstrating the writing process. Standards: 1.1.8.B. Identify and use common organizational structures and graphic features to comprehend information. 1.2.8 C. Produce work in at least one literary genre that follows the conventions of the genre. 1.3.8 C. Analyze the effect of various literary devices. 1.4.8 A. Write short stories, poems, and plays. 1.4.8 B. Write multi-paragraph informational pieces. 1.4.8 C. Write persuasive pieces. 1.5.8 A. Write with a sharp, distinct focus. 1.5.8 B. Write using well-developed content appropriate for the topic. 1.5.8 C. Write with controlled and/or subtle organization. 1.5.8 D. Write with an understanding of the stylistic aspects of composition. 1.5.8 F. Edit writing using the conventions of language. 1.5.8 G. Present and/or defend written work for publication when appropriate.	-Identify, explain, describe, and create figurative language. -Identify, analyze, and utilize persuasive techniques. -Identify, explain, analyze and utilize graphic organizers in prewriting steps. -Identify, analyze, demonstrate, and create well-organized paragraphs, essays, and letters. -Create original poetry and/or short stories.
4.: Students will be able to locate, document, summarize, organize, synthesize information using source material. Standards: 1.2.8 B. Use and understand a variety of media and evaluate the quality of material produced. 1.8.8 A. Select and refine a topic for research. 1.8.8 B. Locate information using appropriate sources and strategies. 1.8.8 C. Organize, summarize, and present the main ideas from research.	-Identify, describe, and demonstrate correct MLA style bibliography set up. -Identify, analyze, and utilize sources to support a main idea or thesis.
5. Students will read independently in order to analyze and interpret various types of literature. Standards: 1.1.8 D. Identify basic facts and ideas in texts using specific strategies. 1.1.8 G. Demonstrate, after reading, understanding and interpretation of both fiction and nonfiction text, including public documents. 1.1.8 H. Demonstrate fluency and comprehension in reading. 1.2.8 A. Read and understand essential content  of informational texts and documents in all academic areas. 1.2.8 B. Use and understand a variety of media and evaluate the quality of material produced. 1.3.8 A. Read and understand works of literature. 1.3.8 B. Analyze the use of literary elements by an author, including characterization, setting, plot, theme, point of view, tone, and style. 1.3.8 F. Read and respond to nonfiction and fiction, including poetry and drama.	- Make inferences and/or draw conclusions based on information from text. -Cite evidence from text to support generalizations. -Identify and/or explain stated or implied main ideas and relevant supporting details from text. -Summarize the key details and events of a fictional text as a whole. -Summarize the major points, processes, and/or events of a nonfictional text as a whole. -Explain, interpret, compare, describe, analyze and/or evaluate the relationships of the elements of character, setting, plot and theme within fiction and literary nonfiction, as well as between texts. -Interpret, describe, and analyze the characteristics and uses of facts and opinions in nonfictional text. -Students will read and analyze two to three novels.
6. Students will apply speaking and listening skills for effective communications. Standards: 1.5.8 G. Present and/or defend written work for publication when appropriate. 1.8.8 C. Organize, summarize, and present the main ideas from research.	-Interact with group members to complete a task. -Participate in group presentations. -Conduct a brief individual presentation.
RESOURCE MATERIALS	ASSESSMENT
Elements of Writing: Holt, Rinehart and Winston; Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Non- Academic and Academic Vocabulary for Achievement- Second Course: Great Source Non-Academic Vocabulary Workshop- Level B: Shostak Academic Various novels, poems, plays, and short stories will be utilized according to the group’s and the individual student’s ability level.	-weekly vocabulary tests -periodic grammar tests -research paper -persuasive papers -informative papers -book reports -other various tests, quizzes, papers and projects