Reading Standards and Benchmarks

Eighth Grade Reading

Standard 1:  Reading Process

Benchmark:  Demonstrate phonics

a.  TLW apply decoding skills to words, i.e.: prefixes, suffixes, plurals  . . .

Benchmark:  Demonstrate vocabulary skills

a.       TLW recognize and define grade appropriate or content appropriate vocabulary

Standard 2:  Reading a Variety of Texts

Benchmark:  Demonstrate comprehension

a.       TLW examine the author’s view or purpose

b.      TLW recognize clue words as a means of sequencing

c.       TLW use prior knowledge and experience to respond to new information, i.e.: predicting, inferring, drawing conclusions, deducing meaning . . .

d.       TLW identify basic information from texts

e.       TLW, after reading a selection, summarize their reading with a response

f.        TLW explain the use of cause and effect in passages

g.       TLW deduce the main idea in paragraphs

h.       TLW analyze the story elements: character, plot, and setting

i.         TLW analyze the different literary forms, i.e.: tall tales, folk tales, biographies, fables, historical and realistic fiction . . .

j.        TLW interpret non-literal language in a variety of literary and informational texts

             Benchmark:  Understand self-monitoring and self-correction strategies

a.       TLW use context clues to determine meaning of familiar and unfamiliar words

 

 

Language Standards and Benchmarks

Eighth Grade Language

Standard 1: Writing Process

            Benchmark:  Produce well developed and audience appropriate ideas

a.       TLW generate ideas through discussion, written brainstorming, and from printed materials

b.      TLW use clusters to expand and organize ideas

c.       TLW support a topic sentence with 8-9 details

d.      TLW develop an attention-getting sentence and thesis for an essay

Benchmark:  Write with coherence and organization

a.       TLW write a logical sequenced essay

b.      TLW write paragraphs focusing on one controlling idea

c.       TLW use transition words to link paragraphs

d.      TLW write a conclusion that reflects the thesis

Benchmark:  Select words that are appropriate to audience and purpose

a.       TLW show understanding of an assigned genre or purpose

b.      TLW use figurative language and a wide variety of vocabulary

c.       TLW be consistent with tense and pronoun usage

Benchmark:  Construct a variety of sentence patterns

a.       TLW produce writing that is free of fragments and run-on sentences

b.      TLW revise for sentence structure, i.e.: combining when necessary, eliminating stringy sentences

c.       TLW edit for wordiness and fluency

Benchmark:  Correctly apply the rules of mechanics and grammar

a.       TLW edit to improve grade-level appropriate punctuation, capitalization, and spelling

b.      TLW edit and revise for grade-level appropriate grammar rules

Standard 2:  Research

            Benchmark:  Use technology and reference materials to locate information

a.       TLW access print sources (dictionary, thesaurus, atlas, almanac, reference books, parts of books)

b.      TLW access appropriate electronic online sources

c.       TLW evaluate information sources for appropriateness

            Benchmark:  Prepare a presentation using primary/secondary sources

a.       TLW focus on teacher-directed research topics

b.      TLW follow an organized outline

c.       TLW take notes and paraphrases information

d.      TLW create a bibliography

Standard 3:  Speaking, Listening, Viewing

            Benchmark:  Demonstrate speaking skills for learning

a.       TLW clearly verbalize ideas during discussions

b.      TLW speak clearly and audibly during presentations

c.       TLW ask questions to clarify ideas

Benchmark:  Demonstrate listening skills for learning

a.       TLW listen to homework assignments and record in an agenda

b.      TLW listen attentively to peer presentations

c.       TLW listen for information in informal and formal settings

Benchmark:  Demonstrate viewing skills for learning

a.       TLW view videos for information and visualization of concepts

b.      TLW view videos to compare and contrast with text versions

c.       TLW gain information from a variety of visuals including charts, maps, graphs, and graphic organizers

 

 

Math Standards and Benchmarks

8-7 Math

Standard 1 – Numbers and Operations

a.       TLW use basic and advanced methods of computation with numerical expressions

b.      TLW estimate and round with all types of computation

c.       TLW use prime factorization

d.      TLW calculate by moving from fraction to decimal to percent value

e.       TLW compare and order numbers, i.e.:  inequalities, absolute values, and integer expressions

f.        TLW express numbers in expanded, standard, and scientific notation

g.       TLW calculate with exponent values of ten

Standard 2 – Data Analysis and Problem Solving

a.       TLW read and interpret tables, charts and graphs

b.      TLW identify ratios and solve proportion problems

c.       TLW interpret and make predictions using measures of central tendency

d.      TLW identify arithmetic patterns and solve problems

Standard 3 - Measurement

a.       TLW identify and use appropriate measures, i.e.:  standard, metric

b.      TLW convert within measurement systems

c.       TLW calculate and solve problems involving measures of time, money, length, weight, and volume

Standard 4 - Algebra

a.       TLW simplify variable expressions

b.      TLW solve variable equations

c.       TLW calculate slope as a function of a linear equation, coordinate points, and intercepts

Standard 5 - Geometry

a.       TLW identify and classify polygons

b.      TLW use p to calculate circumference and area of circles

c.       TLW use concepts of perimeter, area, and volume

d.      TLW identify and calculate using the triangle sum property

e.       TLW use the supplementary angle property

f.        TLW apply properties of geometric figures, i.e.:  faces, edges, vertices, similar and congruent

 

 

Science Standards and Benchmarks

Eighth Grade Science

Standard 1:  Science as Inquiry

Benchmark:  Demonstrate the skills necessary to conduct scientific investigations

a.       TLW evaluate and analyze data from scientific investigations

b.      TLW gather, chart, and graph data gathered from scientific experiments

c.       TLW define and use terms associated with the scientific method:  infer, predict, estimate, hypothesis, theory and conclusion

Standard 2:  Physical Science

            Benchmark:  Understand the composition and properties of matter

a.       TLW identify the structure of an atom, and evaluate how this structure affects an atom’s function

b.      TLW interpret how and why the Periodic Table is arranged

Benchmark:  Understand mathematical relationships among energy, forces, and motion

a.       TLW evaluate processes such as density, pressure, and temperature, and how they affect the earth’s system

Standard 4:  Earth and Space Science

Benchmark:  Understand how the history of the earth has lead to its appearance today

a.       TLW identify the layers of the earth by their chemical and physical makeup

b.      TLW explain how the processes of weathering, erosion, and deposition have helped shape the earth

c.       TLW explain the relationship between the processes of convection and plate tectonics and how they influence volcanic activity and earthquake formation

d.      TLW describe how weather and cloud formation affect the earth

e.       TLW discuss how the earth’s place in the solar system and its orientation to the sun affect the earth

f.        TLW analyze the various geo-chemical cycles and how they are maintained on the earth

Standard 5:  Science and Technology

            Benchmark:  Understand the influence of technology on science

                        a.  TLW demonstrate the ability to use available technology in evaluating science processes

 

 

Social Studies Standards and Benchmarks

Eighth Grade – American History

Standard 1:  Geography

            Benchmark:  Show ability to use map skills, charts, and graphs

a.       TLW identify longitude and latitude

b.      TLW locate the U.S. in relation to the world.

c.       TLW identify the 13 colonies

d.      TLW solve problems reading charts and graphs

Standard 2:  History

Benchmark:  Discover the events surrounding the colonization of North America

a.       TLW identify the early explorers

b.      TLW explain the different reasons people came to North America

c.       TLW compare the growth of the 13 colonies depending on geographic regions

Benchmark:  Understand the impact of war on U.S. history

a.       TLW explain cause and effect of events prior to, during, and after the American Revolution

b.      TLW explain cause and effect of events prior to, during, and after the Civil War

Benchmark:  Recognize the importance of people and events on U.S. history

a.       TLW identify important people and their impact on U.S. history

b.      TLW identify important events and the affects of these events on U.S. history

Standard 3:  Political Science and Citizenship

            Benchmark:  Develop an understanding of the U.S. Constitution

a.       TLW read, in its entirety, the U.S. Constitution

b.      TLW identify the key components of the U.S. Constitution

c.       TLW identify the key components of the Bill of Rights and the Amendments to the Constitution

Standard 4:  Economics

Benchmark:  Recognize the impact of the Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions on the growth of the U.S.

a.       TLW match inventors to their inventions

b.      TLW explain the relationship of inventions to industrial growth

Benchmark:  Recognize the impact of slavery on U.S. history

a.  TLW describe the impact of slavery on the U.S. economy prior to the Civil War

 

 

Art Standards and Benchmarks

8^th Grade Art

Standard One:  Understand and apply different media, techniques, and processes to communicate in the visual arts

            Benchmark:  Intentionally use fine art media to effectively reflect ideas

a.        TLW create projects in a variety of media, i.e.:  pencil, ink, tempera, oil crayons, clay, wire

Standard Two:  Apply knowledge of the organizational components of visual art and the elements and principles of design to artwork

            Benchmark:  Use principles of design in composing artwork

a.       TLW create a life plastering project

Standard Three:  Choose and evaluate a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas

            Benchmark:  Integrate visual concepts with subject matter to communicate ideas

a.       TLW create a pencil drawing with 2 diverse items

Standard Four:  Understand the visual arts in relation to history and cultures and the roles of art for self and society

            Benchmark:  Recognize characteristics of art works

                        a.  TLW create a life plastering project

Standard Five:  Reflect upon and assess the characteristics and merits of their work and works of others

Benchmark:  Recognize through inquiry reasons for creating art works from different eras and cultures

a.       TLW create a life plastering project in variation of the era in which it was invented

 

 

Music Standards and Benchmarks

 

Middle School Chorus

Standard 1:  Sing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music

            Benchmark:  Sing music written in three parts

a.       TLW sing independently his/her part in written music

Benchmark:  Demonstrate ensemble skills

a.       TLW sing using ensemble skills, i.e.: balance, blend, intonation, dynamics, phrasing, diction

b.      TLW demonstrate appropriate character in a performance setting

Standard 3:  Read and notate music

            Benchmark:  Demonstrate the ability to read rhythm and pitch

a.       TLW count specified rhythms

b.      TLW identify pitches on a staff

c.       TLW interpret musical signs, i.e.: time signatures, staccato, legato, ties

Standard 4:  Listen to, analyze, and interpret music

            Benchmark:  Demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret music

a.       TLW describe emotions evoked by listening to selected music

b.      TLW analyze a musical performance

 

Music Standards and Benchmarks

Middle School Band

Standard 2:  Perform on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music

            Benchmark:  Demonstrate competence in performing on instruments

a.       TLW use correct fingerings or stickings

b.      TLW play selected music on his/her instrument

c.       TLW play assigned scales on his/her instrument

d.      TLW demonstrate appropriate character in a performance setting

e.       TLW demonstrate proper playing position

f.    TLW demonstrate ensemble skills, i.e.: balance, blend, phrasing, tone

Standard 3:  Read and notate music

            Benchmark:  Demonstrate the ability to read rhythm and pitch

a.       TLW count and play a specified rhythm on his/her instrument

b.      TLW play specified melodies on his/her instrument

c.       TLW interpret musical signs, i.e.: dynamics, articulations, time signatures, key signatures, tempo markings, accidentals

Standard 4:  Listen to, analyze and interpret music

            Benchmark:  Demonstrate the ability to listen to music and move appropriately

a.       TLW demonstrate awareness of beat while playing his/her instrument, i.e.: marching, tapping toes

Benchmark:  Demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret music

            a.   TLW analyze a musical performance

           

 

Physical Education Standard and Benchmarks

6-8 Physical Education

Standard 1: Components of Physical Education

            Benchmark:  Understand pre-activity routine

a.       TLW demonstrate proficiency in dot drill

b.      TLW demonstrate an appropriate stretching routine

c.       TLW perform a cardio-vascular warm up activity

d.      TLW demonstrate proper physical attire for appropriate activity

Benchmark:  Understand the components of aerobic exercise

a.       TLW run the mile

b.      TLW demonstrate the 3 components of an aerobic workout:  warm-up, workout, and cool down

c.       TLW demonstrate proper technique for checking pulse rate

d.      TLW compute his/her target exercise heart rate

Benchmark:  Understand the components of anaerobic exercise

a.       TLW demonstrate proper weight lifting techniques

b.      TLW chart their progress over a period of time

c.       TLW demonstrate proper safety procedure and spotting techniques

 

 

Health Standards and Benchmarks

 

8^th Grade Health 

Standard 6 - Analyze the factors that impact human growth and development

Benchmark:  Understand that many factors impact human growth and development

a.        TLW analyze principles of human growth and development

b.       TLW analyze strategies that promote growth and development

c.       TLW analyze conditions that influence human growth and development

 

 

 

Agriculture Standards and Benchmarks

 

Applied Science, 8^th Grade Exploratory

Standard 1:  Understand problem solving, analysis, and decision-making in agriculture

Benchmark:  Analyze situation, use problem-solving approach and make appropriate decisions

a.  Analyze the economic impact of production agriculture on the economy

Standard 2:  Understand the concept of cooperation and community service/teamwork

            Benchmark:  Demonstrate cooperation and teamwork skills

a.       Follow directions

Standard 3:  Understand the use of communication skills in agriculture – interpersonal and group; written and oral

Benchmark:  Use appropriate communication skills in a variety of occupational situations in agriculture

a.       Speak effectively in front of others

Standard 11:  Understand basic technical skills and knowledge in the occupational area of agricultural business, supply and service

Benchmark:  Apply technical skills in a hands-on experiential setting in agriculture

a.       Use the Worldwide Web to find information