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Beaverton School District
Beaverton School District

Beaverton Schools

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.