Students organized in timed and untimed writing assignments. Students collaborate with other writers to compose, publish, and analyze published examples as models for writers. Significant blocks of time outside the classroom are required for reading both independent and instructional-level materials for varied purposes. The differentiated curriculum prepares students for the Pre-Advanced Placement program in high school. Reading Eighth grade students read widely in classical, contemporary and informational texts.
Students are able to understand multiple meanings of words and analogies in texts.
Students use word origins as an aid in understanding historical influences on word meanings. Students learn study strategies in content area reading. Students also learn how to evaluate the purpose and effects of media and technological presentations. The goal of the reading program is to produce students who read with fluency and high level of comprehension. Students may choose an elective if they meet exemption guidelines.