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8th Grade

2023-24 School Year

High School Registration

Academic Standards

SoWashCo Schools is required to put state standards in place and determines how their students will meet the standards and benchmarks by developing courses and curriculum and choosing teaching methods.

What Content Areas have State Academic Standards in Minnesota?

  • English Language Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Physical Education
  • The Arts

SoWashCo Schools must develop its own academic standards for:

  • Health
  • World Languages, using current world languages standards developed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
  • Career and Technical Education
WMS students work on a group project

English Language Arts

Literacy is so much more than the ability to read and write. Students are active creators of information and ideas. English language arts courses in SoWashCo Schools help students develop the skills they need for success in post-secondary education and in life. These skills include critical thinking, listening and the ability to communicate effectively. Further, English language arts in SoWashCo Schools provides students with the opportunity to gain new perspectives and value the experiences of others. Students engage in a wide variety of texts, participate in rich discussions, and collaborate with, and learn from others.

Social Studies

Humans are social beings who interact with each other and the world. The social studies courses in SoWashCo help prepare students to be active and engaged participants in their society and the world around them. Students will be empowered to ask  questions, have thoughtful discussions and learn from current and past events to make the world better for future generations. We embrace diversity and culture so students are prepared to navigate an increasingly global society.

College and career readiness, STEM, CTE and Technology

  • College and career readiness
  • STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)
  • CTE (career and technical education)
  • Technology

Creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking are vital to learning. College and career readiness, career and technical education, STEM and other technology courses provide students with an opportunity to build and refine skills for college and career. Active hands-on learning gets students excited about possibilities after high school.

Math

Math is a universal language across the world.  It is everywhere - from the patterns on the wings of butterflies to our favorite family recipe. We help students develop mathematical thinking as well as the skills necessary to be successful in math. Even more importantly, math builds essential life skills such as problem-solving, analysis and spatial skills. Math also provides students with a deeper understanding of the world around them through science and the arts. Students will be prepared to design solutions for the jobs that haven’t even been created yet.

Physical Education and Health

Physical education and health are part of each student’s education in SoWashCo Schools. Physical education helps build student motor skills, heart and muscle strength. But most importantly, it provides opportunities for team building, collaboration and cooperation with others. Health education helps students better understand physical, emotional, and mental health and its impact on our bodies. Students learn how to maintain healthy habits and where to go for support.

Fine Arts

The arts are a vital celebration of personal creativity. Students are encouraged to find their artistic passion, whether it be in music, theatre, dance, food or the visual arts. Research shows that participating in the arts boosts academic achievement, collaboration, and social-emotional growth and well-being.

Science

Science in SoWashCo Schools provides students with the opportunity to see how things work - from ecosystems to human-designed machines. We embrace critical thinking and opportunities for students to study scientific mysteries and to design solutions. The future is in the hands of our students and we want them ready for it.

Global Languages

Our communities, and our world, are more diverse than ever. The ability to communicate in more than one language has never been more important. Being fluent in several languages opens doors to a world of possibilities in all careers and helps bring communities together. We celebrate our students who are learning a second, third, or even fourth language. A better understanding of language, translates to a better understanding of other cultures and people. 

 

Most colleges and universities require students to have earned two years credit in a global language at the high school level, and our students are well prepared for that requirement. Global language offerings begin in eighth grade in addition to our Spanish immersion program for students in grades K-12. We also offer the opportunity for students to earn college credit through the Seal of Biliteracy from the State of Minnesota. The Seal of Biliteracy is the recognition of a student’s linguistic strengths. The Seal appears on student transcripts and provides college credit through the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MNSCU) system.