Agenda Item
Meeting Date:
5/21/2025 - 2:00 PM  
Category:
Information Items  
Type:
Info  
Subject:
15.1 CURRICULUM: New Middle School English Course: Advanced English 8  
Strategic Plan:
 
Enclosure:
 
File Attachment:
Advanced English 8.pdf
 
Summary:
The District's Educational Services Department has opened requests for new or revised courses in our district-wide course catalog. At this time, we are submitting a new Middle School English course titled Advanced English 8. The Advanced English Language Arts 8 course is designed to go beyond mastery of the California Common Core 8th-grade-level English Language Arts Standards. Its purpose is to enhance students' proficiency in reading, writing, and critical thinking by challenging them with broader, enhanced student outcomes. The course aims to foster a deeper understanding of complex texts, improve written expression across various genres, and strengthen analytical skills. 8th Grade students will receive a comprehensive education in English Language Arts. The 8th-grade Advanced English Language Arts course is designed to challenge students with an enriched curriculum focused on critical reading, writing analysis, and speaking and listening skills. Students will explore complex literary and informational texts, including novels, poetry, and nonfiction, while engaging in deeper discussions on themes, character development, and the author’s purpose. This course emphasizes advanced writing techniques, including argumentative, narrative, and expository essays, refining grammar, vocabulary, craft, and structure. Collaborative projects, presentations, and independent research will further develop critical thinking and communication abilities, preparing students for advanced-level high school English courses.  
Funding:
 
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Board of Trustees receive, for its review and consideration, as part of the first reading, the new middle school English course: Advanced English 8.  
Approvals:
Recommended By:
Signed By:
Mark Synnott - Interim Director - Curriculum and Instruction
Signed By:  
Dr. Shanna Egans - Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services
Signed By:  
Dr. Jose Luis Araux - Superintendent