8th Grade

8th grade is the capstone year of the middle school experience at ASB. This is a year for students to reflect on the meaning of their faith, prepare for their future, and celebrate their achievements, while saying goodbye to ASB. Our students’ academic, social, and spiritual journey culminates as they prepare for the transition to high school. Throughout the year we honor our 8th graders' achievements in education, service, and leadership.

8th Grade Curriculum

ELA

8th grade language arts and literacy focuses on reading, writing, and communicating proficiently and maturely in a variety of forms. There is a strong emphasis on the research process, credible sources, and organization in writing. Students will also review grammar, vocabulary, and spelling on a regular basis. Throughout the year, students will work on poetry explications, creative writing, and literary essays to compliment various nonfiction writing forms.

Our curriculum standards and outcomes for reading, writing, and language are based on the Common Core State Standards.

Math

Integrated Mathematics allows our 8th grade students to focus on three primary areas; formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bi-variate data with a linear equations, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations, analyzing two-and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.

Students that have demonstrated readiness for the abstract thinking of algebra, along with the extra demands of the class, complete a course aligned with the state standards and the Common Core State Standards for Algebra 1. These core concepts include; numbers, expressions, and operations; characteristics and behaviors of functions; linear functions, equations, and inequalities; quadratic functions and equations and applying problem solving strategies throughout all units.

Science

8th grade science is a hands-on, inquiry-based introduction to physical science concepts. Topics include; the metric system, properties of matter, chemical interactions, force and motion, electromagnetism, and waves. Students use hands-on scientific tools and learn proper use of lab equipment. They develop critical thinking skills and learn how to consider variables and their impacts. By the end of 8th grade, students will be capable of applying knowledge of the scientific method to perform and analyze labs.

Social Studies

In 8th grade, students “thinking like historians” will explore engaging lessons on U.S. history from pre-colonial times through the Civil War. They will also delve into civics and gain an understanding of how our federal and state governments operate.

Religion

Students explore ethics and learn decision-making skills using realistic tools that they can utilize on a daily basis. The guiding principles of Catholic Social Teaching are taught and put into practice through community service each trimester. Students also learn about the history of the Catholic Church. The final topic covered is family life, as we come full circle and reinforce ethical decision-making skills.

Overview of Middle School Mathematics

ASB School uses the Common Core State Standards in all mathematics classes. All teachers use a varied approach to instruction and assessment to ensure that all students are challenged at an appropriate level and learning the key concepts appropriate to their age and development. In addition to student outcomes, the School-wide Learning Expectations (SLEs) are integrated into the mathematics curriculum in the following ways:

Students will communicate effectively by solving problems using words, numbers, and pictures. This will be done individually and in groups with an emphasis on articulating the thought processes involved in reaching an answer.
Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills by investigating and analyzing possible strategies to solve problems. They will draw conclusions, verify results and check for reasonableness of solutions.
Students will demonstrate that they are lifelong learners by showing curiosity and enthusiasm for applying mathematical concepts in daily life, and to other academic areas.
Students strive for excellence by assessing their own areas of strength and for growth in the area of mathematics. They set personal standards of quality for their own performance.
Students live as people of integrity within their community by working through problems in large and small groups and by showing a willingness to help classmates who struggle.

Following are the norms we have established in all middle school math classes:

Everyone can learn math to the highest levels
Mistakes are valuable
Questions are really important
Math is about creativity and making sense
Math class is about learning not performing
Math is about connections and communicating
Depth is more important than speed

Grading Policies: Tests, quizzes and checkpoint assessments are used to determine student’s overall grade for mathematics. Completion of daily assignments provides practice and quick feedback on their progress toward understanding standards.

8th Grade Math Placement

Assumption-St. Bridget School offers three math classes for eighth graders to prepare each student for long-term success in high school math and beyond. A major stage of brain development in young adolescents contributes to their ability to engage in the increasingly abstract thinking that is needed for success when working with higher level algebraic concepts. When placing students into a math class we take into consideration many criteria:

readiness for abstract reasoning
the amount of time, effort and support that the student needs for success in math
performance on a basic skills test
performance on a standardized algebra placement test

The feedback that we receive from high school math departments is that the priority for middle schools should be to make sure that each student enters high school strong in mathematical thinking, concepts, and problem-solving. That is our aim in placing students for next year.

Students will be assessed on their progress toward mastering the mathematical concepts laid out in the 7th grade common core state standards for mathematics. Demonstrating understanding of these concepts does not always mean a student is ready for 9th grade algebra, but it certainly does not mean that student is below grade level.

Performance assessments alone do not necessarily indicate a student’s readiness for algebra. In the spring students will take an algebra placement test that is a 9th grade algebra placement test, not an assessment on 7th grade concepts. Over 18 years, has been a reliable indicator of algebra readiness. The three 8th-grade math classes next year are:

Pre-Algebra

This course is based on the 8th grade common core curriculum: linear functions and equations; properties of geometric figures; summary and analysis of data sets; identifying rational and irrational numbers, applying order of operations and working with exponents; and applying problem solving strategies throughout all units. A high level of success in this course prepares a student to test into Algebra 1 or Intermediate Algebra 1.

Algebra

This course is based on the 8th-grade common core algebra concepts: numbers, expressions, and operations; characteristics and behaviors of functions; linear functions, equations, and inequalities; quadratic functions and equations and applying problem solving strategies throughout all units. A high level of success in this course prepares a student to test into Intermediate Algebra 1 or Geometry.

Advanced Algebra

This course is based on the high school common core algebra concepts and covers all topics at a faster pace with more demands for independent work, proficient basic math skills, and strong organizational skills. A high level of success in this course prepares a student to test into Honors Geometry or Honors Advanced Algebra.