8th Grade ELA Learning Targets
English Lang Arts, 8
Language ALT 1
I can use conventions and language correctly.
AST 1.1 - Conventions : I can use conventions and language to enhance my writing.
AST 1.2 - Pronouns : I can use pronouns correctly.
AST 1.3 - Spelling and Punctuation : I can spell correctly and use punctuation to set off details related to the subject.
AST 1.4 - Sentence Patterns : I can vary sentence patterns and maintain style and tone.
Reading ALT 1
I can demonstrate comprehension of key ideas and details of grade-level literary and informational texts.
AST 1.1 - Inferences of Text : I can find the most relevant evidence to support analysis and inferences of a text.
AST 1.2 - Summarize Key Details of Text : I can summarize the key details, identify the central idea or theme, and begin to analyze how it develops over the course of the text.
AST 1.3 - Unknown Vocabulary : I can determine or clarify the meaning of unknown vocabulary using a range of strategies (context clues, word stems, reference materials).
AST 1.4 - Analyze Plot : I can analyze how particular parts of plot propel the action, reveal aspects of a character, or provoke a decision.
AST 1.5 - Drawing Connections : I can draw connections between a series of ideas of events and analyze how individuals, events, and ideas interact over the course of the text.
Reading ALT 2
I can analyze and evaluate an author’s craft and structure.
AST 2.1 - Meaning of Words : I can determine the meaning of words and phrases and analyze how specific words impact meaning and tone (e.g. analogies or allusions to other texts).
AST 2.2 - Analyze Form for Meaning : I can analyze how the form or structure of a piece of literature contributes to its meaning.
AST 2.3 - Different Points of View : I can analyze how different points of view create effects such as suspense or humor.
AST 2.4 - Author's POV : I can determine an author’s point of view or purpose and analyze how the author responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints (informational).
Reading ALT 3
I can analyze knowledge and ideas from multiple sources.
AST 3.1 - Text and Performance : I can analyze the similarities and differences between a text and a performance and evaluate the choices made by the directors or actors.
AST 3.2 - Using Different Mediums to Present : I can evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using different mediums to present a topic or idea.
AST 3.3 - Relevant and Sufficient Evidence : I can evaluate if specific claims in a text have reasoning that is relevant and sufficient; I can recognize when evidence is irrelevant.
AST 3.4 - Addressing Similar Themes-Topics : I can analyze how two or more works address similar themes or topics.
Research ALT 1h
I can conduct effective research.
AST 1.1 - Thesis for Research : I can use a given question or thesis to guide my research.
AST 1.2 - Info from Multiple Sources : I can gather and organize information from multiple sources.
AST 1.3 - Citations : I can report basic citation information.
AST 1.4 - Presenting Information : I can present information in my own words to demonstrate understanding of my topic.
Social Studies ALT 1
I can identify and describe significant events and perspectives in US history from 1765 to Reconstruction.
AST 1.1 - US History from 1765 to Reconstruction : I can demonstrate an understanding of significant events and perspectives in US history from 1765 to Reconstruction.
AST 1.2 - Economics : I can apply basic economic concepts to US history.
Social Studies ALT 2
I can identify and explain the foundations, structures, and functions of US government.
AST 2.1 - Historical Foundations of Democracy : I can identify the historical foundations that influenced the development of US democracy.
AST 2.2 - 3 Branches of Gov't : I can explain the structure and function of the three branches of government and the checks and balances between each branch.
AST 2.3 - Federal, State, Local Governments : I can explain the relationship between federal, state and local governments.
AST 2.4 - Civic Responsibility : I can explain the role of civic responsibility in US democracy.
Social Studies ALT 3
I can apply my knowledge to analyze information (historical documents, data, maps, graphs, charts, models) and develop a relevant conclusion with appropriate evidence.
AST 3.1 - Relevant Conclusion : I can accurately analyze information to reach a relevant conclusion.
AST 3.2 - Compelling Evidence : I support my thinking with compelling and well-organized evidence.
AST 3.3 - Detailed Arguments : I can give detailed arguments for and against an issue.
AST 3.4 - Analyze Relationships : I can analyze relationships.
Speaking-Listening ALT 1
I can engage effectively in collaborative discussions on a variety of topics and issues.
AST 1.3 - Engagement : I can question and respond in ways that show I am engaged.
AST 1.4 - Reflection and Paraphrasing : I can demonstrate understanding of multiple perspectives through reflection and paraphrasing.
AST 1.1 - Discussion Preparation : I can come to discussions prepared.
AST 1.2 - Role in Discussions : I can understand my role in collegial discussions.
Speaking-Listening ALT 2
I can effectively present information.
AST 2.1 - Organization of Info : I can present information that is organized and clear.
AST 2.2 - Oral Presentations : I can use appropriate body language, eye contact, volume, and speed during oral presentations.
AST 2.3 - Digital Media and Visuals : I can use digital media and/or visuals to display information.
AST 2.4 - Demonstrating Understanding : I can present information in my own words to demonstrate understanding of my topic.
Writing ALT 1 - Argument
Writes argument texts.
AST 1.1 - Lead : The writer hooked readers and provided specific context for their own as well as another’s position.
AST 1.2 - Transitions : The writer used transitions to lead readers across parts of the text and relate back to earlier parts.
AST 1.3 - Ending : The writer described the significance of the argument and offered additional insights.
AST 1.4 - Organization : The writer organized claims, counterclaims, reasons, and evidence into sections and clarified how sections are connected.
AST 1.5 - Elaboration : The writer brought out aspects of the argument that were most significant to audience and to overall purpose.
AST 1.6 - Craft : The writer intended to affect the reader in particular ways and chose specific language to do that.
AST 1.7 - Spelling : The writer spelled technical and literary vocabulary accurately.
AST 1.8 - Punctuation and Sentence Structure : The writer used different sentence structures, verb tenses that shifted when needed and internal punctuation effectively.
Writing ALT 2 - Information
Writes information texts
AST 2.1 - Lead : The writer hooked the reader, provided context, introduced a focus and oriented readers to the overall structure of the text.
AST 2.2 - Transitions : The writer used transitions to lead reader across parts of the text and relate back to earlier parts.
AST 2.3 - Ending : The writer suggested implications, built up the significance of main points, and/or alluded to potential challenges.
AST 2.4 - Organization : The writer focused on key concepts within the topic, organized information within broader categories and used sections/ information that built on each other.
AST 2.5 - Elaboration : The writer brought out parts of the topic, analyzed the relevance of the information and incorporated trustworthy/significant sources.
AST 2.6 - Craft : The writer intended to affect the reader in particular ways and chose specific language and varied the tone to match different purposes.
AST 2.7 - Spelling : The writer spelled technical and domain specific words accurately.
AST 2.8 - Punctuation and Sentence Structure : The writer used different sentence structures, verb tenses that shifted when needed and internal punctuation effectively.
Writing ALT 3 - Narrative
Writes narrative texts.
AST 3.1 - Lead : The writer wrote a beginning that establishes the situation and place, hinting at a bigger context for the story.
AST 3.2 - Transitions : The writer used transitional phrases, clauses, and grammatical structures to alert reader to changes.
AST 3.3 - Ending : The writer gave the reader a sense of closure that followed from events in the story or a resolution.
AST 3.4 - Organization : The writer modified a traditional traditional story structure, dealing with time to best suit the genre and to bring out the meaning.
AST 3.5 - Elaboration : The writer developed complicated story elements, central characters relationships to others and used details that related to and conveyed meaning.
AST 3.6 - Craft : The writer convey the pressures characters feel and the dreams they hold, created a mood, as well as varied tone to bring out different perspectives.
AST 3.7 - Spelling : The writer used the internet and other sources to check the spelling of literary, historical and geographical words.
AST 3.8 - Punctuation and Sentence Structure : The writer used different sentence structures and verb tenses that shifted.