The new Georgia performance standards: 8th grade [2005]

Assessment
Throughout the year, classroom teachers will assess each student's growth and progress toward achievement of the learning goals specified in the state curriculum (GPS or QCC if GPS have not been implemented).
These classroom assessments will be used to guide instruction in order to provide every child with the opportunity to learn and to succeed.
Students will be made aware of the performance expectations for 8th grade and will acquire self-monitoring and self-assessing skills to help them maximize their achievement.
In January, the Middle Grades Writing Assessment will be administered to 8th graders.
In the spring, Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests in Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies will be administered to 8th graders in order to provide a standardized measure of student learning.
Beginning in the year the Georgia Performance Standards are implemented for a content area, the CRCT will directly align with those GPS.
Georgia law also mandates the administration of a norm-referenced test to all 8th grade students sometime during the school year. The state provides the Iowa Test of Basic Skills; a system may choose to administer an alternate norm-referenced test at the system's own expense.
In addition, NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) is required by federal and state law in grade 8. Not all schools and students are administered these assessments. The selection of schools and students is determined by a random sample.

Dear Parents,
Thank you for all you do as parents to guide your children's learning! I am confident that the future of all our children will be bright because of your continued support of public education in Georgia.
We are beginning the most extensive improvement in Georgia education undertaken in the last 18 years-- the implementation of the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS). The new state curriculum sets high standards, maintains clear expectations, and will place our schools and our students not just at the top of the Southeast, but at the top of the nation.
As a parent, I personally understand that this kind of change may generate questions and concerns: Why do we need a change? How will this impact my child? What will be different in my child's classroom?
For this reason, I have made communication and keeping you informed an absolute priority. Georgia's teachers and administrators have been preparing for this change, and they will be able to answer many of your questions at your local schools. I also encourage you to visit the Georgia Department of Education website to find out more about the new curriculum: www.georgiastandards.org.
It is a great day for education in Georgia. Like never before, our state is unified behind a mission to raise the achievement level of all students in our public schools. Toward this aim, we have rallied together and successfully tackled many challenges, ushering in a new level of accountability and quality in education. Thank you for your support as we continue to raise the bar for our state's most precious resource, our children.
Kathy Cox, State Superintendent of Schools

Implementation Schedule for the Georgia Performance Standards in 8th Grade
2005-2006 English Language Arts
2007-2008 Mathematics
Science Social Studies
Contact Information
Dr. Eloise Barron, Director Division of Curriculum and
Instructional Services Gerald Boyd - English Language Arts
Claire Pierce - Mathematics Stephen Pruitt - Science
Dr. William Cranshaw - Social Studies (404) 656-4059 or (404) 656-2608
Kathy Cox, State Superintendent of Schools www.georgiastandards.org
The Georgia Department of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer

8th Grade
THE NEW GEORGIA PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
We will lead the nation in improving student achievement.
Kathy Cox, State Superintendent of Schools
www.gadoe.org

8th Grade Language Arts
Eighth grade students will receive instruction in reading, writing, and listening, speaking, & viewing. By the end of 8th grade, students will be able to:
Use oral and written language, media, and technology for expressive, informational, argumentative, critical, and literary purposes
Extend appreciation of written and spoken language beyond the school setting
Produce quality essays and narratives, as well as a writing drawn from research
Use strong verbs, adjectives, and adverbs as they continue to develop personal writing styles
Proof their own writing and edit to conform to basic conventions of Standard English
Convey, both orally and in writing, a developing interest in discussing and debating social issues
Apply specific guidelines to evaluate content and strategies in media

8th Grade Mathematics
All students will be actively engaged in developing mathematical understandings in real and relevant contexts. By the end of 8th grade, students will be able to:
Understand various numerical representations, including square roots, exponents, and scientific notation
Use and apply geometric properties of plane figures, including congruence and the Pythagorean theorem
Use symbolic algebra to represent situations and solve problems, especially those that involve linear relationships
Solve linear equations, systems of linear equations, and inequalities in one variable
Use equations, tables, and graphs to analyze and interpret linear functions
Use and understand set theory and simple counting techniques
Determine the theoretical probability of simple events
Make inferences from statistical data, particularly data that can modeled by linear functions
Solve problems, communicate mathematically, reason and evaluate mathematical arguments, make connections among mathematical ideas and in other contexts, and represent mathematics in multiple ways

8th Grade Science
Eighth grade students will use inquiry, research, and investigation in a survey course to provide a smooth transition from elementary science to high school physical science. By the end of 8th grade, students will be able to:
Collect, use, and analyze scientific data related to physical science
Demonstrate a basic conceptual understanding of the laws of physical science related to conservation of matter, conservation of energy, and energy transformation
Use their observations to explain the difference between physical and chemical changes
Write instructions, describe observations, and report, in graphical form, information related to physical science
Investigate relationships between force, mass, and the motion of objects
Replicate investigations related to the laws of physical science and compare and contrast different results

8th Grade Social Studies
Eighth grade students will study the history, geography, political structures, and economics of Georgia. By the end of 8th grade, students will be able to:
Explain, analyze, and evaluate major historical developments leading up to Georgia statehood
Explain, analyze, and evaluate the political, social, and economic history of Georgia
Explain, analyze, and evaluate the role Georgia has played in significant historical events affecting the United States, including Georgia's role before, during, and after major wars
Explain the impact of location, climate, physical characteristics, natural resources, and modes of transportation on Georgia
Describe the roles and responsibilities of Georgia citizens, of the three branches of Georgia government, and of local governments in Georgia
Explain, evaluate, and/or give examples of economic factors affecting Georgia, including factors related to revenue of state and local government