1. In Grade 8, students refine and master previously learned knowledge and skills in increasingly complex presentations, reading selections, and writing. Eighth grade students continue to read widely in classic and contemporary selections and informational texts. Students are able to identify characteristics of various literary forms. Eighth grade students are able to select and use different forms of writing for specific purposes such as to inform, persuade, or entertain. Students produce multi-paragraph compositions with varied sentence structure. Eighth grade students edit their writing based on their knowledge of grammar and usage, spelling, punctuation, and other conventions of written language. Students produce final, error-free pieces of written composition on a regular basis. Students use citations competently and write by following accepted formats for research reports. Eighth grade students present oral and written reports, including presentations strengthened by visuals and media.
2. For eighth grade students whose first language is not English, the students' native language serves as a foundation for English language acquisition.
3. The essential knowledge and skills as well as the student expectations for Grade 8 are described in subsection (b) of this section. Following each statement of a student expectation is a parenthetical notation that indicates the additional grades at which these expectations are demonstrated at increasingly sophisticated levels.
4. To meet Public Education Goal 1 of the Texas Education Code, §4.002, which states, "The students in the public education system will demonstrate exemplary performance in the reading and writing of the English language," students will accomplish the essential knowledge and skills as well as the student expectations at Grade 8 as described in subsection (b) of this section.
5. To meet Texas Education Code, §28.002(h), which states, ". . . each school district shall foster the continuation of the tradition of teaching United States and Texas history and the free enterprise system in regular subject matter and in reading courses and in the adoption of textbooks," students will be provided oral and written narratives as well as other informational texts that can help them to become thoughtful, active citizens who appreciate the basic democratic values of our state and nation.

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