English Language Arts and Reading 8 is a TEKS-based course designed to increase and refine students’ foundational literacy skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing and thinking. The course focuses on the interconnected nature of literacy through daily academic conversations, writing, and reading and includes cross-curricular and college/career literacy. Students build on prior knowledge and skills to read increasingly complex texts, both self-selected and teacher-selected, and build understandings of challenging vocabulary and author’s craft. Students continue to hone composition and research skills through recursive writing practices in multiple genres. Students build communication skills through informal and formal speaking activities. The course prepares students for the transition to high school English courses.

• Full Year Course

PreAP English Language Arts and Reading 8 is a course designed for high-achieving 8th-grade students demonstrating advanced English language arts and reading skills. Students will receive instruction leading to subsequent PreAP and AP English Language Arts courses. PreAP English Language Arts and Reading 8 is a TEKS-based course designed to increase and refine students’ foundational literacy skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing and thinking. The course focuses on developing advanced habits of the mind required to succeed in post-secondary pursuits. Emphasis is placed on honing students’ development of critical thinking skills through daily close observation and analysis, evidence-based writing, higher-order questioning, and academic conversations in preparation for the transition to high school PreAP English I. Summer reading is required. 

• Full Year Course