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

Honors 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 Honors and AP English Language Arts
courses. Honors 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 Honors English I. Summer reading may be required.

• Full Year Course