1960s
8th Grade
Moderate Rigor
Eighth Grade English/Literature (1960)
Survey of American and British literature with increasing attention to comprehension skills and literary analysis.
5
Hours/Week
8
Skills Expected
Space Age
Era
Historical Context
Post-Sputnik reforms touched English instruction. Contemporary literature began appearing alongside classics. Paperback novels made full-length works accessible.
Space Age (1960-1969)
Academic rigor after Sputnik shock. "New Math" and science curriculum reforms. Focus on gifted students.
Skills Expected
What students were expected to master by the end of 8th grade
- Comprehension of complex texts
- Analysis of literary elements
- Understanding of literary movements
- Vocabulary development
- Critical thinking about texts
- Oral and written response to literature
- Research and reference skills
- Speed reading techniques
Sample Topics & Assignments
Typical problems, readings, or assignments from this era
Typical Resources of the Era
Common textbooks and materials used in 1960s classrooms
- Adventures in Reading (Harcourt Brace)
- Literature and Life series
- SRA Reading Laboratory
Get Started: Curriculum Resources
Actual textbooks and curricula you can use to implement 1960s reading standards
Free Resources (2)
Premium Curricula (2)
Rod and Staff Publishers
Traditional workbook-based curriculum emphasizing phonics, grammar, and arithmetic. No frills, rigorous approach.
$50-100/year per subject
Rod and StaffGreat Books Academy
Online courses based on the Great Books tradition. Read and discuss primary sources from Western civilization.
$500-1500/year
Great Books Academy