1980s
8th Grade
Moderate Rigor
Eighth Grade English/Language Arts (1980)
Integrated language arts approach combining literature study with reading comprehension skills. Young adult literature gained acceptance.
5
Hours/Week
8
Skills Expected
Nation at Risk Era
Era
Historical Context
Whole language movement influenced instruction. Young adult literature became accepted. Reading and writing were increasingly integrated.
Nation at Risk Era (1980-1989)
Back to basics movement. Standards-based reform emerging. "A Nation at Risk" sparked accountability movement.
Skills Expected
What students were expected to master by the end of 8th grade
- Reading comprehension strategies
- Literary element identification
- Theme analysis and interpretation
- Vocabulary from context
- Comparison of literary works
- Response to literature (written and oral)
- Genre study: novel, short story, poetry, drama
- Independent reading habits
Sample Topics & Assignments
Typical problems, readings, or assignments from this era
Typical Resources of the Era
Common textbooks and materials used in 1980s classrooms
- McDougal Littell Literature
- Prentice Hall Literature
- Various young adult novels
Get Started: Curriculum Resources
Actual textbooks and curricula you can use to implement 1980s reading standards