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What does a student learn in ?

Mastery Learning Standards
The required skills a student should display by the end of Grade 8.
Reading Literature
  • Cite Textual Evidence

    Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.

  • Central Ideas

    Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.

  • Analyze Development

    Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact over the course of a text.

  • Word Meanings

    Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.

  • Text Structure

    Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text relate to each other and the whole.

  • Point of View

    Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.

  • Integrate Diverse Media

    Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.

  • Evaluate Arguments

    Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, including the validity of the reasoning and the relevance of the evidence.

  • Compare Texts

    Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or compare the approaches the authors take.

  • Range of Reading

    Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.

Reading Informational Text
  • Cite Textual Evidence

    Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.

  • Central Ideas

    Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.

  • Analyze Development

    Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact over the course of a text.

  • Word Meanings

    Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.

  • Text Structure

    Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text relate to each other and the whole.

  • Point of View

    Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.

  • Integrate Diverse Media

    Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.

  • Evaluate Arguments

    Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, including the validity of the reasoning and the relevance of the evidence.

  • Compare Texts

    Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or compare the approaches the authors take.

  • Range of Reading

    Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.

Writing
  • Arguments

    Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts using valid reasoning and relevant, sufficient evidence.

  • Informative Texts

    Write informative or explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately.

  • Narratives

    Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.

  • Coherent Writing

    Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

  • Revision Process

    Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.

  • Use Technology

    Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.

  • Research Projects

    Conduct short and sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

  • Gather Information

    Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, assess the credibility and accuracy of each source, and integrate the information while avoiding plagiarism.

  • Cite Evidence

    Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

  • Range of Writing

    Write routinely over extended time frames and shorter time frames for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences.

Speaking and Listening
  • Collaborative Discussions

    Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

  • Integrate Information

    Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

  • Evaluate Speaker

    Evaluate a speaker's point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric.

  • Present Ideas

    Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

  • Use Visual Displays

    Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations.

  • Adapt Speech

    Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and communicative tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.

Language
  • Standard Grammar

    Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

  • Spelling and Punctuation

    Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

  • Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.

  • Word Strategies

    Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases by using context clues, analyzing meaningful word parts, and consulting general and specialized reference materials, as appropriate.

  • Figurative Language

    Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.

  • Academic Vocabulary

    Acquire and use accurately a range of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level.

Assessments
The state tests students at this grade and subject take.
State Summative

NJSLA: ELA/Literacy (Grades 3-9)

New Jersey's spring summative test in reading and writing for grades 3 through 9, aligned to the NJ Student Learning Standards for ELA.

When given:
spring
Frequency:
annual
Official source
National Monitoring

NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress)

Federally administered sample-based assessment in reading, mathematics, science, and writing. NAEP results inform state-by-state comparisons rather than individual student or school accountability.

When given:
biennial in winter
Frequency:
every two years
Official source