8th Grade

What should my child be working on?

Reading

• Determine a purpose for reading selected fiction and nonfiction texts. (TEKS 8.5)
• Monitor his/her own comprehension of text while reading.(TEKS 8.5)
• Analyze characters in literature and how the setting of a story influences them and their decisions. (TEKS 8.7B)
• Understand flashbacks and compare them to linear plot design. (TEKS 8.7C)
• Know how authors use character, word choices, and plot to develop themes, or greater messages about life. (TEKS 8.9)
• Know how authors use word choice such as figurative language to convey a mood or tone. (TEKS 8.9D)
• Analyze how authors use different structures to communicate meaning. (TEKS 8.8D)

Writing

• Use a prewriting strategy such as a list, graphic organizer, or sketch to plan for writing. (TEKS 8.10A)
• Write stories, real or imagined, that have a clear lesson or theme. (TEKS 8.10B)
• Edit his/her own writing for common errors. (TEKS 8.10D)
• Respond to what they read in writing and analyze literary elements (character, plot, etc) (TEKS 8.6B)
• Write using increasingly complex sentence structures. (TEKS 8.10C)

What are the state standards for what my child should know and be able to do in this subject and grade level?

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

What questions should I ask my child?

Reading

• What are you reading at school?  At home?
• What do you think the author wanted you to learn from this text?
• Do you agree with the author’s ideas?  Why/why not?
• Do you have any connection to what you’re reading?

Writing

• What helps you plan for writing?
• Can you explain what you meant when you wrote-?
• Who can help you in your ELA class when you need it?
• What resources would help you communicate? (dictionary, thesaurus, etc.)

How can I help my child learn at home?

Eighth grade is a year students should fine tune the learning from 6th and 7th while preparing their minds for the demands of high school.  Continue the conversation around literacy and how it is the foundation of other contents.  To help at home, you could:

• Allow your child to incorporate their interests when selecting topics to read and write about. 
• Help them set goals for book completion
• Notice how punctuation and word choice enhance what they read.
• Ensure that he or she has a quiet place to study.
• Observe the effects sounds from TV or earbuds may have on their ability to focus on reading.
• Hold casual discussions about their reading.
• Guide them to notice errors in their own writing or environmental print.

What should my child be working on?

Real Number Relationships

• Extend knowledge of sets and subsets (natural numbers, whole numbers, integers, rational numbers, irrational numbers, and real numbers) using visual representation such as Venn diagram (TEKS 8.2A)
• Approximate the value of an irrational number, including π and square roots (TEKS 8.2B)
• Order real numbers (TEKS 8.2D)
• Convert between standard decimal notation and scientific notation (TEKS 8.2C)
• Find the mean of a set of numbers, then use it to find the mean absolute deviation (TEKS 8.11D)

Scatterplots and Functions

• Represent data on a scatterplot and draw conclusions to focus on association and language such as “positive trend”, “negative trend”, or “no trend” (TEKS 8.11A)
• Describe whether there is a linear, non-linear, or no association between the data represented on a scatterplot (TEKS 8.5C, 8.11A)
• Use a trend line on a scatterplot to make predictions (TEKS 8.5D)
• Identify functions using sets of ordered pairs, tables, mappings, and graphs(TEKS 8.5G)

Linear Relationships

• Determine if tables, graphs, or equations are proportional or non-proportional (TEKS 8.5F, 8.5H)
• Understanding the unit rate as the slope on a proportional graph (TEKS 8.4B)
• Represent linear proportional situations from tables, graphs, and equations in the form of y = kx (TEKS 8.5A)
• Represent linear non- proportional situations from tables, graphs and equations in the form of y = mx + b (TEKS 8.5B)
• Determine the rate of change or slope from a table or graph (TEKS 8.4C)
• Determine the y-intercept from a table or graph (TEKS 8.4C)
• Understand how two points on the same line have the same slope (similar right triangles)(TEKS 8.4A)
• Write an equation from a table, graph, or verbal description (TEKS 8.5I)
• Identify the point where two lines intersect on a graph (TEKS 8.9A)
• Solve problems involving direct variation (TEKS 8.5E)

Equations and Inequalities

• Write one-variable equations (with variables on both sides) to represent a real-world situation (TEKS 8.8A)
• Write a real-world situation to represent  a one-variable equation (with variables on both sides) (TEKS 8.8B)
• Write one-variable inequalities (with variables on both sides) to represent a real-world situation (TEKS 8.8A)
• Write a real-world situation to represent a one-variable inequality (with variables on both sides) (TEKS 8.8B)
• Model and Solve a one-variable equation (with variables on both sides) (TEKS 8.8C)
• Find angle measures related to triangles and their exterior angles (TEKS 8.8D)
• Find the measure of angles formed when a line crosses two parallel lines (TEKS 8.8D)

Pythagorean Theorem

• Understand how the Pythagorean Theorem works using models or pictures (TEKS 8.6C)
• Use the Pythagorean Theorem formula (a2 + b2 = c2) to determine if 3 given side lengths form a right triangle (TEKS 8.7C)
• Use the Pythagorean Theorem formula (a2 + b2 = c2) to solve the missing side length of a right triangle (TEKS 8.7C)
• Find the distance between two points on the coordinate plane using the Pythagorean Theorem formula (a2 + b2 = c2) (TEKS 8.7D)

What are the state standards for what my child should know and be able to do in this subject and grade level?

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

What questions should I ask my child?

• What is the problem asking you to solve?
• What information is important to help you solve the problem?
• What problem-solving strategy can you use to solve the problem? (Draw a picture, make a table, write an equation, number line)
• Do you have notes that can help you solve the problem?

How can I help my child learn at home?

Problem Solving

• Is there an activity on IXL, Imagine Math, or ST Math (whichever campus uses) to help with the topic?

What should my child be working on?

Scatterplots and Functions

• Represent data on a scatterplot and draw conclusions to focus on association and language such as “positive trend”, “negative trend”, or “no trend” (TEKS 8.11A)
• Describe whether there is a linear, non-linear, or no association between the data represented on a scatterplot (TEKS 8.5C, 8.11A)
• Use a trend line on a scatterplot to make predictions (TEKS 8.5D)
• Identify functions using sets of ordered pairs, tables, mappings, and graphs(TEKS 8.5G)

Domain and Range

• Continuous and discrete functions (Algebra 1)(TEKS A.2A)
• Describe the domain and range of a linear function using sets (Algebra 1)(TEKS A.2A)
• Describe the domain and range of linear functions using inequalities (Algebra 1)(TEKS A.2A)

Linear Relationships

• Determine if tables, graphs, or equations are proportional or non-proportional (TEKS 8.5F, 8.5H)
• Understanding the unit rate as the slope on a proportional graph (TEKS 8.4B)
• Represent linear proportional situations from tables, graphs, and equations in the form of y = kx (TEKS 8.5A)
• Represent linear non- proportional situations from tables, graphs and equations in the form of y = mx + b (TEKS 8.5B)
• Determine the rate of change or slope from a table or graph (TEKS 8.4C)
• Determine the y-intercept from a table or graph (TEKS 8.4C)
• Understand how two points on the same line have the same slope (similar right triangles)(TEKS 8.4A)
• Write an equation from a table, graph, or verbal description (TEKS 8.5I, A.2C)
• Identify the point where two lines intersect on a graph (TEKS 8.9A)
• Solve problems involving direct variation (TEKS 8.5E)
• Identify the x-intercept on a coordinate plane using math and real-world problems (Algebra 1) (TEKS A.3C)

Equations and Inequalities

• Write one-variable equations (with variables on both sides) to represent a real-world situation (TEKS 8.8A)
• Write a real-world situation to represent  a one-variable equation (with variables on both sides) (TEKS 8.8B)
• Write one-variable inequalities (with variables on both sides) to represent a real-world situation (TEKS 8.8A)
• Write a real-world situation to represent a one-variable inequality (with variables on both sides) (TEKS 8.8B)
• Model and Solve a one-variable equation (with variables on both sides) (TEKS 8.8C)
• Find angle measures related to triangles and their exterior angles (TEKS 8.8D)
• Find the measure of angles formed when a line crosses two parallel lines (TEKS 8.8D)
• Solve one-variable equations using the distributive property (Algebra 1) (TEKS A.5A)

Pythagorean Theorem

• Approximate the value of an irrational number, including π and square roots (TEKS 8.2B)
• Order real numbers (TEKS 8.2D)
• Understand how the Pythagorean Theorem works using models or pictures (TEKS 8.6C)
• Use the Pythagorean Theorem formula (a2 + b2 = c2) to determine if 3 given side lengths form a right triangle (TEKS 8.7C)
• Use the Pythagorean Theorem formula (a2 + b2 = c2) to solve the missing side length of a right triangle (TEKS 8.7C)
• Find the distance between two points on the coordinate plane using the Pythagorean Theorem formula (a2 + b2 = c2) (TEKS 8.7D)

What are the state standards for what my child should know and be able to do in this subject and grade level?

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

What questions should I ask my child?

• What is the problem asking you to solve?
• What information is important to help you solve the problem?
• What problem-solving strategy can you use to solve the problem? (Draw a picture, make a table, write an equation, number line)
• Do you have notes that can help you solve the problem?

How can I help my child learn at home?

Problem Solving

• Is there an activity on IXL, Imagine Math, or ST Math (whichever campus uses) to help with the topic?

What should my child be working on?

Expressions, Equations, and Functions

• Decide if the relation is a function when represented verbally, tabularly, graphically, or symbolically (TEKS A.12A)
• Find the values when given a function notation(TEKS A.12B)
• Continuous and discrete functions (TEKS A.2A)
• Describe the domain and range of a linear function using sets (TEKS A.2A)
• Describe the domain and range of linear functions using inequalities (TEKS A.2A)
• Solve one-variable equations using the distributive property (TEKS A.5A)

Linear Functions

• Determine the slope of a line when given a table, graph, two points on a line, or an equation (TEKS A.3A)
• Find the rate of change of a linear function when given a table graph, equation, or real-world problem (TEKS A.3B)
• Identify the slope, x-intercept, y-intercept, and zeros from a graph in math and real-world problems (TEKS A.3C)
• Solve problems involving direct variation (TEKS A.2D)
• Write a formula to find any term in an arithmetic sequence (TEKS A.12D)

Equations of Linear Functions

• Write linear equations in two variables given a table, graph, or verbal description (TEKS A.2C)
• Determine the effects on the graph of the parent function (horizontal and vertical transformations) (TEKS A.3E)
• Write a linear equation in various forms (y = mx + b, Ax + By = C, and y - y1 = m(x - x1) when given the slope and one point and given two points (TEKS A.2B)
• Solve mathematical and scientific formulas, and other literal equations, for the specified variable (TEKS A.12E)

• Write linear equations in point-slope and standard forms
• Write an equation for a line that is parallel to another one (TEKS A.2E)
• Write an equation for a line that is perpendicular to another one(TEKS A.2F)
• Write an equation that is parallel or perpendicular to the x or y-axis and determine if the slope is zero and undefined slope (TEKS A.2G)
• Create a scatterplot and determine the linear function that fits the data (TEKS A.4C)
• Compare and contrast association and causation (TEKS A.4B)
• Calculate the correlation coefficient between two variables and interpret the strength of the linear association (TEKS A.4A)

Linear Inequalities

• Solve one-variable linear inequality, including the distributive property and variables on both sides (TEKS A.5B)
• Write a linear inequality in two variables from a table, graph, or verbal description (TEKS A.2H)
• Graph the solution set of linear inequalities in two variables on the coordinate plane (TEKS A.3D)

Systems of Equations and Inequalities

• Graph two lines on a coordinate plane and identify their point of intersection (TEKS A.3F)
• Write a system of two linear equations given a table, graph, or verbal description (TEKS A.2I)
• Solve systems of two linear equations using substitution (TEKS A.5C)
• Solve systems of two linear equations using elimination (TEKS A.5C)
• Graph the solution set of systems of two linear inequalities (TEKS A.3H)
• Estimate graphically the solution set of two linear equations in real-world problems (TEKS A.3G)

What are the state standards for what my child should know and be able to do in this subject and grade level?

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

What questions should I ask my child?

• What is the problem asking you to solve?
• What information is important to help you solve the problem?
• What problem-solving strategy can you use to solve the problem? (Draw a picture, make a table, write an equation, number line)
• Do you have notes that can help you solve the problem?

How can I help my child learn at home?

Problem Solving

• Is there an activity on IXL, Imagine Math, or ST Math (whichever campus uses) to help with the topic?

What should my child be working on?

Atomic Structure & the Periodic Table

• Describe the structure of atoms, including: mass, electrical charge, and location of subatomic particles. (TEKS 8.5A)
• Know that protons determine an element’s identity. (TEKS 8.5B)
• Identify that valence electrons determine an element’s chemical properties, including reactivity. (TEKS 8.5B)
• Interpret the arrangement of the Periodic Table, including groups and periods, to explain how properties are used to classify elements. (TEKS 8.5C)

Chemical Formulas & Reactions

• Recognize how chemical formulas are used to identify substances. (TEKS 8.5D)
• Determine the number of atoms of each element in chemical formulas containing subscripts. (TEKS 8.5D)
• Investigate how evidence of chemical reactions indicate that new substances with different properties are formed. (TEKS 8.5E)
• Investigate how chemical reactions relate to the law of conservation of mass. (TEKS 8.5E)

Physics

• Demonstrate and calculate how unbalanced forces change the speed or direction of an object’s motion. (TEKS 8.6A)
• Differentiate between speed, velocity, and acceleration. (TEKS 8.6B)
• Investigate applications of Newton’s three laws of motion in vehicle restraints, sports activities, amusement park rides, Earth’s tectonic activities, and rocket launches. (TEKS 8.6C)

Ecology

• Describe how organisms and populations in an ecosystem depend on and may compete for biotic factors (food) and abiotic factors (quantity of light, water, range of temperatures, or soil composition). (TEKS 8.11A)
• Explain how short-and long‐term environmental changes affect organisms and traits in subsequent populations. (TEKS 8.11B)
• Recognize human dependence on ocean systems. (TEKS 8.11C)
• Explain how human activities (runoff, artificial reefs, or use of resources) have modified ocean systems. (TEKS 8.11C)

What are the state standards for what my child should know and be able to do in this subject and grade level?

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

What questions should I ask my child?

Atomic Structure & Element Identity

• How does the number of protons and electrons in an atom affect its electrical charge?
• What trends are identified in the organization of the periodic table?

Chemical Formulas & Reactions

• How can substances be identified in a chemical formula?
• How do chemical formulas give substances an “identity”?
• How do you know if a chemical reaction has occurred?

Physics

• How are speed, velocity, and acceleration similar and different?
• How are balanced and unbalanced forces related to the motion of an object?
• How are Newton’s 3 Laws of Motion observable in our lives?

Ecology

• How do organisms and populations depend upon biotic and abiotic factors in the ecosystem?  
• Why does competition occur in populations?
• How do short-term and long-term environmental changes impact populations?

How can I help my child learn at home?

Atomic Structure & Element Identity

• Participate in the Atomic Structure tutorial found here
• Play the Build An Atom game.

Chemical Formulas & Reactions

• Visit WolframAlpha and have your child enter 5 different chemicals into the search bar. Have your child write down the chemical formula for each and ask your child to tell you the number of each atom in the formula.

Physics

• Work on the Force & Motion interactive tutorial.
• Brainstorm examples of each of Newton’s Laws.

Ecology

• Talk with your child about the short-term and long-term impacts of environmental changes on populations. Examples can include events like Hurricane Harvey (short-term) and Panacea (long-term).

What should my child be working on?

Although organized chronologically from the early Colonial Period through Reconstruction, 8th graders will study the repeating themes in history, including exploration, colonization, revolution, and power while exploring the structures of the United States government, as defined by the constitution, United States geography, principles of good citizenship, and the American free enterprise system. Additionally, studenNormalts will learn and apply historical processing skills with secondary and primary sources in order to think critically about their studies.
What should my child be working on in the 1st semester of school?

• Exploration and Colonization - reasons for and outcomes of (8.2B)
• Road to Independence - Causes of the Revolution (8.4A)
• The American Revolution (8.4C)
• The Constitutional Convention (8.4D)
• The Constitution: Bill of Rights (8.15D)
• The New Nation: Domestic and Foreign Policies in the New Republic (8.5A)

What are the state standards for what my child should know and be able to do in this subject and grade level?

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

What questions should I ask my child?

Exploration and Colonization - reasons for and outcomes of

• How do issues of power, wealth, and morality influence exploration and colonization?

Road to Independence - Causes of the Revolution

• Why do people rebel?

The American Revolution

• Can war be part of the solution? Why or Why not?
• Was the Revolution really revolutionary?

The Constitutional Convention

• Is compromise always fair and equal? Why or Why not based upon your studies of US history?

The Constitution: Bill of Rights

• Which protects and provides more freedom, a weak central government, or a strong central government? Why?
• How did the Constitution guard against Tyranny?

The New Nation: Domestic and Foreign Policies in the New Republic

• How did America respond to external and internal challenges?

How can I help my child learn at home?

Provide opportunities to watch and discuss local, state, and national news. Use the questions in the “Questions to Ask Your Child” section when discussing the local and state news.

Digital citizenship in the middle school grades focuses on deepening student understanding of the concepts of media balance & well-being, privacy & security when online, digital footprint & identity, and relationships & communication online introduced in the primary grades.

Media Balance & Well-Being

Lessons on media balance & well-being in middle school continue to build on the foundations of healthy balance created in elementary school. Students begin to explore the motivation behind their media usage, and behind the companies who are creating the media. As they discover motivation, they are encouraged to create a plan to keep their media usage balanced and to weigh the consequences of unbalanced media balance on their health and relationships.

Privacy and Security

Middle school-aged students want more freedom to use media and technology, so it is important that they understand how to protect their privacy and security when they go online. In earlier grades, students built a foundation about what they should keep private and secure. In the middle grades, the focus shifts to why and how they should keep things private and secure. Lessons tackle big data, phishing, and how knowing more about the tools they are using will keep them safe online.

What are the state standards for what my child should know and be able to do in this subject and grade level?

TEKS: 126.16 (5) (C-D)

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

How can I help my child learn at home?

Middle school children are more likely to emulate behaviors than they are to follow the rules set out in lectures by their parents. Helping your children see how you balance media usage and monitor your own media well-being by pointing it out to him will go a long way in helping him make his own healthy choices. Another way to engage your child is to help her understand how tech companies make money. Demystifying why companies want to have users spend more time online will help children make informed media choices.

Share with your children how you can tell the difference between posts from friends, posts from “influencers”, and the posts that are advertisements. Many forms of media, such as Snapchat and Instagram, use advertisements that are hard to distinguish from other posts. Helping children spot these and know when it is okay to share information will help them make good choices.

Overview

As a parent of an English learner, there is a lot you need to know, including how your child is:

• Identified as an English learner
• Taught English and other subjects
• Tested
• Determined to be proficient in academic English

This guide will help you support your child on their journey as an English learner (EL).

How does the school know that my child is an English learner?

When you register your child in school for the first time, you are asked to fill out a home language survey that asks two specific questions: (1) What language is spoken in the child’s home most of the time? and (2) What language does the child speak most of the time? If the survey indicates that your child speaks a language other than English, he/she will then be tested at the Multilingual Department’s Welcome Center. If the assessment indicates that your child is not yet proficient in English, the Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) will make a program recommendation for your child.

How will my child learn English?

English as a Second Language program (ESL) targets English language development, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, through academic content instruction that is linguistically and culturally responsive.

What questions should I ask my child?

• What was one interesting thing you did at school today?
• What did you learn in your_____ class?
• Who did you talk to the most in your classes?
• What is your homework for today?

What can I do?

• Get a public library card for your child and borrow books in English or your child’s home language.
•  Encourage your child to read daily in English and/or his /her home language.
• Encourage your child to use a bilingual dictionary.
• Be sure to attend parent-teacher conferences scheduled by your child’s school.
• Schedule time every day for your child to do homework.

Resources

• Parent guide
• U.S. Department of Education - English Learner Tool Kit
• U.S. Department of Education - Especially for Parents
• The 50 Best ESL Resources for Kids

In the 8th grade, your child should be reviewing a survey in Naviance called “Career Cluster Finder,” which they should have completed in the 7th grade. If your child is new to Spring Branch ISD, they will have an opportunity to complete this survey. All students and families can also access this survey and other Naviance resources at home. Reach out to your child’s professional school counselor to get access to Naviance!

What should I ask my child's counselor?

• When will my child be reviewing the “Career Cluster Finder” survey?
• How will you be using these results to guide my child in making decisions about their future?
• What other college and career exploration activities will my student be completing this school year?

Resources

• Naviance

Self-Harm

The term “self-harm” describes behaviors like cutting, burning, scratching, punching, banging, etc. that are self-inflicted. Self-harm is not always tied to suicidal ideation, although it can be. Many students who engage in self-harm do so because of the overwhelming emotional pain of which they have no other outlet to release. Others may try self-harm once or twice due to being involved in peers who engage in similar behaviors - however, students who continuously self-harm do so because they find it helps them manage difficult emotions, rather than having its roots in peer pressure.

Warning Signs

Be on the lookout for withdrawing or isolation. Notice if your child wears unseasonably warm clothes (i.e. long-sleeved hoodies in the summertime, refuses to wear swimsuit, etc.). Pay attention to the social media your child is involved in, as there is a community of resources for self-harm online.

Brain Science Behind Self-harm

Emotional and physical pain are wired very similarly in the brain. It is in this connection that we can understand how self-harm actually can relieve emotional pain. As our brains and bodies respond to the physical, self-inflicted pain by sending signals and resources to the injured area, the emotional pain also lessens. This knowledge should help families and educators understand that children aren’t necessarily just making a choice to self-harm, that they know better, and that they can stop whenever they want - what adolescents need is a replacement behavior to better manage their emotional pain.

What questions should I ask my child?

• How do you cope when you are feeling sad/angry/stressed/anxious/bored?
• Do you have any friends at school who cut/harm themselves?
• Have you ever felt so overwhelmed with emotions that you have harmed yourself?

What can I do?

• Support without judgment/reaction/fear - if your child tells you that they or someone they know has been self-harming, listen, and ask questions without shaming their behaviors.
• Model healthy coping skills - talk to your child when you are experiencing a difficult emotion and show them how you cope.

Resources

• Alternatives to self-harm
• Suicide Hotline
  • English: 713-529-8336
  • Spanish: 713-526-8088

What should my child be working on?

Reading

• Consistently read and analyze grade level genres including fiction, informational, and persuasive texts. (TEKS 8.5)
• Analyze the author's use of craft, figurative language, and diction within texts. (TEKS 8.9)
• Analyze structures and organizational patterns within nonfiction texts. (TEKS 8.9)
• Read multiple genres to compare themes, ideas, etc. (TEKS 8.7)
• Answer multiple choice questions correctly using evidence from the text. (STAAR Prep)

Writing

• Plan and organize their writing so that their messages are clear. (TEKS 8.10A)
• Write a literary analysis of the author’s craft or opinion essays about a text they read.

(TEKS 8.6)

• Revise and edit their writing and the writing of others. (TEKS 8.10C)
• Publish a finished piece that is relatively free of common errors. (TEKS 8.10E)

What are the state standards for what my child should know and be able to do in this subject and grade level?

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

What questions should I ask my child's teacher?

• How has he/she performed on reading assessments until this point?
• What skills does he/she need to strengthen before the end of the year?
• When do you offer to tutor?
• What are some titles you recommend for at-home reading?
• What specific communication skills should he/she strengthen?
• What’s his/her preferred learning style?

How can I help my child learn at home?

As students prepare to move on from middle school, they’ll need strong reading and communication skills to meet the demands of high school English.  College is on the horizon, and readers will need to boost the volume of books they read to keep up. At home you should:

Reading

• Visit the bookstore and/or the library regularly to select books of their choice.
• Read together and demonstrate the importance of reading in your career field.
• Watch movies based on books (literature and popular).
• Make quiet time for reading and encourage book completion.

Writing

• Discuss family events and interesting daily experiences.
• Complete projects together and require them to read the instructions.
• Write restaurant and book reviews on blogs.
• Use resources to correct spelling or enhance word choice.
• 8th grade ELA TEKS

What should my child be working on?

Transformational Geometry

• Understand the ratio of corresponding sides in similar shapes are proportional (TEKS 8.3A)
• Compare and contrast the attributes of a shape and its dilation on a coordinate plane (TEKS 8.3B)
• Use an algebraic rule to represent dilation of a figure on a coordinate plane(TEKS 8.3C)
• Understand the properties of orientation and congruence of transformations (TEKS 8.10A)
• Understand that reflection, rotation, and translation preserve congruence and dilation does not (TEKS 8.10B)
• Use an algebraic rule to represent translation, reflection and rotation of a figure on a coordinate plane (TEKS 8.10C)
• Model the effect on linear and area measurements of dilated 2-D shapes (TEKS 8.10D)

Volume

• Understand that a cone is ⅓ the volume of a cylinder, or a cylinder is 3 times the volume of a cone (congruent bases and heights) (TEKS 8.6B)
• Describe the volume formula V = Bh for a cylinder understanding that (B) represents the area of the base and (h) represents the height of the figure (TEKS 8.6A)
• Find the volume of cylinders, cones, and spheres (TEKS 8.7A)

Surface Area

• Find the lateral surface area of rectangular prisms, triangular prisms, and cylinders (TEKS 8.7B)
• Find the total surface area of rectangular prisms, triangular prisms, and cylinders (TEKS 8.7B)

Personal Financial Literacy

• Calculate and compare simple and compound interest (TEKS 8.12D)
• Compare how interest rates and loan lengths affect the cost of credit (TEKS 8.12A)
• Calculate the total cost of repaying a loan (TEKS 8.12B)
• Understand how small amounts of money invested regularly grow over time (TEKS 8.12C)
• Identify and explain the advantages and disadvantages of different payment methods (TEKS 8.12E)
• Determine if situations represent financially responsible decisions (TEKS 8.12F)
• Estimate the cost of a two year and four-year college education (TEKS 8.12G)

What are the state standards for what my child should know and be able to do in this subject and grade level?

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

What questions should I ask my child?

• What is the problem asking you to solve?
• What information is important to help you solve the problem?
• What problem-solving strategy can you use to solve the problem? (Draw a picture, make a table, write an equation, number line)
• Do you have notes that can help you solve the problem?

How can I help my child learn at home?

Problem Solving

• Is there an activity on IXL, Imagine Math, or ST Math (whichever campus uses) to help with the topic?

Transformational Geometry

• Understand the ratio of corresponding sides in similar shapes are proportional (TEKS 8.3A)
• Compare and contrast the attributes of a shape and its dilation on a coordinate plane (TEKS 8.3B)
• Use an algebraic rule to represent dilation of a figure on a coordinate plane(TEKS 8.3C)
• Understand the properties of orientation and congruence of transformations (TEKS 8.10A)
• Understand that reflection, rotation, and translation preserve congruence and dilation does not (TEKS 8.10B)
• Use an algebraic rule to represent translation, reflection, and rotation of a figure on a coordinate plane (TEKS 8.10C)
• Model the effect on linear and area measurements of dilated 2-D shapes (TEKS 8.10D)

Volume

• Understand that a cone is ⅓ the volume of a cylinder, or a cylinder is 3 times the volume of a cone (congruent bases and heights) (TEKS 8.6B)
• Describe the volume formula V = Bh for a cylinder understanding that (B) represents the area of the base and (h) represents the height of the figure (TEKS 8.6A)
• Find the volume of cylinders, cones, and spheres (TEKS 8.7A)

Surface Area

• Find the lateral surface area of rectangular prisms, triangular prisms, and cylinders (TEKS 8.7B)
• Find the total surface area of rectangular prisms, triangular prisms, and cylinders (TEKS 8.7B)

Personal Financial Literacy

• Calculate and compare simple and compound interest (TEKS 8.12D)
• Compare how interest rates and loan lengths affect the cost of credit (TEKS 8.12A)
• Calculate the total cost of repaying a loan (TEKS 8.12B)
• Understand how small amounts of money invested regularly grow over time (TEKS 8.12C)
• Identify and explain the advantages and disadvantages of different payment methods (TEKS 8.12E)
• Determine if situations represent financially responsible decisions (TEKS 8.12F)
• Estimate the cost of a two year and four-year college education (TEKS 8.12G)

Solving Inequalities

• Solve one-variable linear inequality, including the distributive property and variables on both sides (Algebra 1) (TEKS A.5B)

What are the state standards for what my child should know and be able to do in this subject and grade level?

8th grade TEKS

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

Algebra TEKS

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

What questions should I ask my child?

• What is the problem asking you to solve?
• What information is important to help you solve the problem?
• What problem-solving strategy can you use to solve the problem? (Draw a picture, make a table, write an equation, number line)
• Do you have notes that can help you solve the problem?

How can I help my child learn at home?

Problem Solving

• Is there an activity on IXL, Imagine Math, or ST Math (whichever campus uses) to help with the topic?

What should my child be working on?

Polynomials

• Add and Subtract polynomials (TEKS A.10A)
• Multiply polynomials (TEKS A.10B)
• Rewrite polynomial expressions using the distributive property (TEKS A.10D)
• Factor trinomials (TEKS A.10E)
• Determine if a binomial can be written as a difference of two squares (TEKS A.10F)
• Divide polynomials (TEKS A.10C)

Quadratic Functions and Equations

• Determine the domain and range of quadratic functions (TEKS A.6A)
• Graph quadratic functions and identify key attributes (x-intercept, y-intercept, zeros, maximum value, minimum value, vertex, and axis of symmetry) (TEKS A.7A)
• Write quadratic functions when given real solutions and graphs of their related equation (TEKS A.6C)
• Describe the relationship between linear factors of quadratic expressions and the zeros of the associated quadratic functions (TEKS A.7B)
• Determine the effects on the graph of a parent function when transformation occurs (TEKS A.7C)
• Write equations of quadratic functions given the vertex and another point on the graph (TEKS A.6B)
• Solve quadratic functions by factoring, taking square roots, completing the square, or applying the quadratic formula (TEKS A.8A)

Exponents and Exponential Functions

• Simplify numeric and algebraic expressions using the laws of exponents (TEKS A.11B)
• Simplify numerical radical expressions involving square roots (TEKS A.11A)
• Determine the domain and range of exponential functions (TEKS A.9A)
• Graph exponential functions that model growth and decay and identify key features (y-intercept and asymptote) (TEKS A.9D)
• Interpret the meaning of a and b in exponential functions in the form of f(x) = abx (TEKS A.9B)
• Write exponential functions to describe problems arising from mathematical and real world situations (TEKS A.9C)
• Using technology, write exponential functions that provide a reasonable fit to data and make predictions for real world problems (TEKS A.9E)
• Using technology, write quadratic functions that provide a reasonable fit to data and make predictions for real world problems (TEKS A.8B)

Radical and Sequences

• Write a formula for any term in an arithmetic sequence, given the value of several terms (TEKS A.12D)
• Write a formula for any term in a geometric sequence, given the value of several terms (TEKS A.12D)
• Identify terms of arithmetic sequences when sequences are given in function form using recursive processes (TEKS A.12C)
• Identify terms of geometric sequences when sequences are given in function form using recursive processes (TEKS A.12C)
• Simplify numerical radical expressions involving square roots (TEKS A.11A)

What are the state standards for what my child should know and be able to do in this subject and grade level?

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

What questions should I ask my child?

• What is the problem asking you to solve?
• What information is important to help you solve the problem?
• What problem-solving strategy can you use to solve the problem? (Draw a picture, make a table, write an equation, number line)
• Do you have notes that can help you solve the problem?

How can I help my child learn at home?

Problem Solving

• Is there an activity on IXL, Imagine Math, or ST Math (whichever campus uses) to help with the topic?

What should my child be working on?

Geology

• Describe the historical development of evidence that supports the plate tectonic theory. (TEKS 8.9A)
• Relate plate tectonics to the formation of crustal features. (TEKS 8.9B)
• Interpret topographic maps and satellite views to identify land and erosional features. (TEKS 8.9C)

Sun, Earth, Moon Relationships

• Model and illustrate how the tilted Earth rotates on its axis, causing day and night. (TEKS 8.7A)
• Demonstrate and predict the sequence of events in the lunar cycle. (TEKS 8.7B)
• Relate the positions of the Moon and Sun to their effect on ocean tides. (TEKS 8.7C)

Astronomy

• Describe components of the universe, including: stars, nebulae, galaxies. (TEKS 8.8A)
• Use models such as H-R diagrams for classification. (TEKS 8.8A)
• Recognize that the Sun is a medium‐sized star located in a spiral arm of the Milky Way galaxy. (TEKS 8.8B)
• Recognize that the Sun is many thousands of times closer to Earth than any other star. (TEKS 8.8B)
• Identify how different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as visible light and radio waves, are used to gain information about components in the universe. (TEKS 8.8C)
• Know that scientific data are used as evidence to develop scientific theories to describe the origin of the universe. (TEKS 8.8D)

Meteorology

• Recognize that the Sun provides the energy that drives convection within the atmosphere and oceans, producing winds. (TEKS 8.10A)
• Identify how global patterns of atmospheric movement influence local weather using weather maps that show high and low pressures and fronts. (TEKS 8.10B)
• Identify the role of the oceans in the formation of weather systems such as hurricanes. (TEKS 8.10C)

What are the state standards for what my child should know and be able to do in this subject and grade level?

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

What questions should I ask my child?

Geology

• How can landforms serve as evidence for locating the different types of plate boundaries?
• How do topographic maps provide evidence of erosional changes on Earth’s surface?

Sun, Earth, Moon Relationships

• How are the axis and revolution of Earth significant?
• How would tidal forces be affected if Earth was either further away from or closer to the Sun?

Astronomy

• How do scientists use visible light wavelengths to gather information about distant objects in the universe?
• How can the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram help us learn about stars?

Meteorology

• How do the processes of radiation, conduction, and convection work together to transfer and distribute energy from the Sun to diverse areas of the Earth?
• How can identifying a type of front present help to predict local weather conditions?

How can I help my child learn at home?

Geology

• Look at a variety of topographical maps of an area to see how the area has changed over time. Discuss possible causes of the changes as well as their impacts.

Sun, Earth, Moon Relationships

• Build a model of the earth and sun to represent the concepts of rotation and revolution.

Astronomy

• Play this interactive game to observe an interactive model of the life cycle of a mystery “star in a box”.

Meteorology

• Watch the local weather report with your child and have them explain the significance of fronts.

8th graders will study the repeating themes in history, including exploration, colonization, revolution, and power while exploring the structures of the United States government, as defined by the constitution, United States geography, principles of good citizenship, and the American free enterprise system. Additionally, students will learn and apply historical processing skills with secondary and primary sources in order to think critically about their studies.

What should my child be working on?

• Reform movements in the United States (TEKS 8.24B; 8.6B)
• The Industrial Revolution (TEKS 8.5A; 8.13B)
• Territorial Acquisitions of the United States (TEKS 8.6B)
• The economic, social and political effects of Manifest Destiny on the United States (TEKS 8.6B)
• A nation divided: the Civil War (TEKS 8.7C, 8.7D)
• Economic, social and political effects of the war (TEKS 8.9C)
• Reconstruction (TEKS 8.9C)
• The Compromise of 1877 (TEKS 8.9C)
• The Impeachment of Andrew Johnson (8.9C)
• American Culture, including the influences on and effects of throughout the history of the United States. (TEKS 8.23C; 8.26C)

What are the state standards for what my child should know and be able to do in this subject and grade level?

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

What questions should I ask my child?

The economic, social and political effects of Manifest Destiny on the United States

• How did the Manifest Destiny impact America socially, politically, and economically?

A nation divided: the Civil War

• How did the issue of slavery affect politics in the United States?
• Why was the civil war inevitable?

Reconstruction - Economic, social and political effects of the war

• How do the consequences of war affect nations?

American Culture, including the influences on and effects of throughout the history of the United States.

• What influenced the art and culture in the United States?

How can I help my child learn at home?

Provide opportunities to watch and discuss local, state, and national news. Use the questions in the “Questions to Ask Your Child” section when discussing the local and state news.

Digital Footprint & Identity

Now that students understand the concept of a digital footprint, lessons begin to ask them to reflect on what their digital footprint says about them. Students explore the benefits and drawbacks to presenting themselves in different ways online and what their digital footprint says about them. Students also look at ways social media affects their digital footprints.

Relationships & Communication

Lessons in the relationships and communication strand in middle school focus on navigating social media and other online communication that is new to middle school students. Building on the concepts introduced in elementary school, students explore how relationships online and offline are similar and different, and how to stay kind when online.

What are the state standards for what my child should know and be able to do in this subject and grade level?

TEKS: 126.16 (5) (D)

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

How can I help my child learn at home?

As you begin to allow your student to use social media, create a list of family guidelines for usage. What is okay to post? What is okay to comment? Will there be limits for usage or other guidelines, like always tagging mom or dad? A social media contract (like this one from iMom, http://www.imom.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/imom-social-media-contract.pdf) helps set clear guidelines for your middle school student.

Our middle school students love to be connected to one another, but they don’t always understand the implications of their online relationships. Discuss with your student how you choose to respond to posts and shares online, for instance, do you take comment only for fun, or take part in deeper discussions, like those around politics. This will help your student learn how to communicate online.

How will I know when my child has learned Academic English?

Every year, your child will take an assessment called the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) to assess his/her English proficiency level in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. When your child meets the criteria for reclassification, he/she will be reclassified and will not need to take the TELPAS anymore.  However, the school will continue to monitor your child’s progress to make sure he/she is successful at school.

What questions should I ask my child?

• What did you learn in your_____ class?
• What book are you reading at school?
• Did you ask for help when you didn’t understand?
• What is your homework for today?

What can I do?

• TELPAS Parent Tips (English)
• TELPAS Parent Tips (Spanish)

Resources

• Colorín Colorado (bilingual website)
• English as a Second Language (ESL) program
• Parent guide

This semester, your child will develop a four-year plan for high school course work that is aligned with their strengths and interests.  This includes selecting an endorsement aligned to their four-year plan.  Professional school counselors from your child’s feeder high school will meet with your child individually or in a group to help them through this process. Every campus has different classes available and different selection criteria for the classes. Your child should have a good idea of what classes they want to take after the lessons and activities they have completed in middle school.

What should I ask my child's counselor?

• What classes are available for my child to take as a 9th grader?
• Who will my child’s professional school counselor be next year?
• What endorsements are my child interested in?

Resources

• The Guthrie Center
• High School Course Catalog
• High School Endorsements and Career Paths

Healthy Relationships

Social relationships and interpersonal skills are huge parts of adolescent development. Adolescents use this time to learn about themselves, how to solve a conflict, and how to communicate with their peers. It is actually quite developmentally healthy and appropriate for children to be more invested in their friendships and social lives than in their academics! It is also normal for your child to begin to be interested in romantic relationships at this stage of development.

Boundaries and Consent

It’s important for adolescents to understand their own personal boundaries and the importance of consent before the stakes are too high in relationships - romantic or otherwise. These should include things like what subjects they don’t feel comfortable about, boundaries on their time, and physical boundaries. They should also understand a few basic rules of consent - that consent can be taken back at any time, that you cannot pressure or threaten someone into giving consent, and that consent is time-bound and activity-specific.

What questions should I ask my child?

• What are some of your personal boundaries - emotional, and physical?
• What does it mean to ask for consent? What are some ways that you can ask for consent?
• Who are some of the important people in your life?

What can I do?

• Children learn about relationships from their families - model healthy relationships and talk to your child about how you set healthy boundaries, select friends, and romantic partners. Model how you solve interpersonal problems through conversation and seeking outside help if necessary.
• Model healthy boundaries and consent - talk to your child about your personal boundaries and model asking consent to family, friends, romantic partners, and your children.
• Listen without judgment when your child asks questions and talks about friendships and relationships.

Resources

• Domestic Violence Hotline
• Teach Consent
• Suicide hotlines
  • English: 713-529-8336
  • Spanish: 713-526-8088