Language Arts

Eighth grade Language Arts is a combination of writing and speaking skills with an emphasis on whole projects. Writing assessment centers on the six-trait approach: fluency, organization, word choice, conventions, ideas, and voice. Additional emphasis includes the following:  writing in a variety of genres, the writing process, grammar and usage, vocabulary building, and spelling.
Text Books: Write Source 2000 Skills Book; Write Source 2000 Handbook, Editor in Chief (handouts), and Wordly Wise 3000.

Math and language arts will be grouped by gender. Below are some of the outcomes we hope to achieve.

1. Instruction can be adapted to meet the different learning styles of boys and girls.
2. Provides an opportunity for students to broaden relationships and reduce the impact of cliques.
3. Research shows that some boys tend to be a year and half behind in reading and writing. Pacing and instruction can be adapted to meet boys’ needs.
4. In math, girls can receive direct instruction and coached with manipulatives on increasing their spatial intelligence.
5.  In a single sex setting, girls drop their shyness and are more willing to take risks.
6. In a single sex setting, boys tend to soften their competitiveness and become more collaborative.
7. More learning can take place because there are less discipline issues, less distractions, less acting out to get the attention of the opposite sex.