Grade Eight
Eighth graders are in their last year of junior high
school or middle school and need to be prepared during
this year to meet the rigors of a high school program
designed to help them develop the readiness for college,
careers, and civic life; attain the capacities of a literate
individual; become broadly literate; and acquire 21st
century skills. They continue to engage with ideas,
concepts, knowledge, and stories in literature and
informational text both in what they read in school and
independently. In eighth grade, students continue to
engage with the standards for literacy in history/social
studies, science and technical subjects, strengthening
development of reading and writing skills not just in
language arts, but across the content areas. Eighth
graders who are entering school as ELs, or who have
been in U.S. schools since the elementary years but
are still designated as ELs, need particular attention, as their English language and literacy abilities
(especially in academic English) must improve in an accelerated time frame in order for them to be
prepared for the rigors of high school in one year.
This grade-level section provides an overview of the key themes of ELA/Literacy and ELD
instruction in grade eight. It offers guidance for ensuring ELs have access to ELA and content
instruction, including integrated and designated ELD instruction. Snapshots and vignettes bring several
of the concepts to life.Key Themes of ELA/Literacy and ELD Instruction in Grade Eight
In this section, the key themes of ELA/Literacy and ELD instruction are discussed as they apply to
grade eight. These include Meaning Making, Language Development, Effective Expression,
Content Knowledge, and Foundational Skills. See figure 6.25. These themes are largely
overlapping and consistent with the call for the integration of reading, writing, speaking and listening,
and language in the CA CCSS for ELA Literacy and the CA ELD Standards. Inextricably linked to every
area of the curriculum, the two sets of standards promote an interdisciplinary approach. Each of
the snapshots for grade eight that follow is presented in connection with a theme; however, many
snapshots illustrate several themes. The two vignettes at the end of the section for grade eight depict
integrated ELA and ELD instruction and designated ELD instruction based on the same topic and/or
readings.
Eighth graders are in their last
year of junior high school or
middle school and need to be
prepared during this year to
meet the rigors of a high school
program designed to help them
develop the readiness for college,
careers, and civic life; attain the
capacities of a literate individual;
become broadly literate; and
acquire 21st century skills.616 | Chapter 6 Grade 8