DOCUMENT RESUME ED 452 960 PS 029 443 TITLE Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2000-2001: Grade 8. INSTITUTION Alberta Dept. of Education, Edmonton. ISSN ISSN-1483-1627 PUB DATE 2000-00-00 NOTE 40p.; The Alberta Learning "Curriculum Handbook for Parents" series is published periodically in new editions, one for each grade/academic level, usually with only slight changes from the prior edition. There are two series, one set for public schools and one set for Catholic schools. For the 1998 public school series, see ED 421 282-292. For the 2000-2001 public school series, see PS 029 435-445. AVAILABLE FROM Learning Resources Distributing Centre, 12360-142 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5L 4X9. Tel: 780-427-5775; Fax: 780-422-9750; Web site: http://www.lrdc.edc.gov.ab.ca. Handbook may also be found on Web site: http://www.learning.gov.ab.ca PUB TYPE Guides - Non-Classroom (055) EDRS PRICE MF01/PCO2 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS Art Education; Career Exploration; *Educational Objectives; Fine Arts; Foreign Countries; French; *Grade 8; Health Education; *Junior High School Students; Junior High Schools; Language Arts; Mathematics Curriculum; Outcomes of Education; Parent Materials; *Parent Participation; Physical Education; Science Curriculum; Second Language Instruction; Secondary Education; *Secondary School Curriculum; Social Studies; Technology Education IDENTIFIERS *Alberta ABSTRACT This handbook provides parents with information about the Grade 8 curriculum in Alberta, Canada. Based on the Alberta Learning "Program of Studies: Junior High Schools," the handbook describes the kndwledge, skills, and attitudes students in Alberta are expected to demonstrate upon completion of the Grade 8 curriculum. Following introductory material, sections include: "What Is Curriculum?"; "English Language Arts"; (1) (2) (3) "Mathematics"; "Science"; "Social Studies"; "Physical Education"; (4) (5) (6) "Health and Personal Life Skills"; "Information and Communication (7) (8) Technology"; and (9) "Optional Courses" in Career and Technology Studies, Fine and Performing Arts, and Language Programs and Courses Other than English. Each section includes samples of what students are expected to learn in each subject. The handbook concludes with a one-page questionnaire requesting feedback on the handbook. (KB) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. Curriculum Handbook Parents for 2000-2001 GRAD E U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS CENTER (ERIC) BEEN GRANTED BY 'X This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. C. Andrews Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. TO THE EDUCATIONAL Points of view or opinions stated in this RESOURCES document do not necessarily represent INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) official OERI position or policy. 1 Alberta LEARNING BEST COPY AVAILABLE I I This document, along with most Alberta Learning documents, can be found on the web site at <http://www.learning.gov.ab.ca>. The parent document titles referenced in this handbook may be purchased from: 12360 142 Street Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5L 4X9 Telephone: 780-427-5775 780-422-9750 Fax: <http://www.Irdc.edc.gov.ab.ca> Internet: Telephone numbers of branches referred to in this handbook can be reached, toll free, inside Alberta, by dialing 310-0000. Curriculum Branch Telephone: 780-427-2984 780-422-3745 Fax: <curric.contact @edc.gov.ab.ca> Email: French Language Services Branch Telephone: 780-427-2940 780-422-1947 Fax: <[email protected]> Email: Special Programs Branch Telephone: 780-422-6326 780-422-2039 Fax: Learner Assessment Branch Telephone: 780-427-0010 780-422-4200 Fax: <[email protected]> Email: ISSN 1483-1627 Copyright © 2000, the Crown in Right of Alberta, as represented by the Minister of Learning. Alberta Learning, 11160 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5K 0L2. Additional copies may be purchased from the Learning Resources Distributing Centre, 12360 142 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5L 4X9, telephone 780-427-5775; or, from one of the Queen's Printer Bookstores, telephone 780-427-4952, Edmonton; or, telephone 403-297-6251, Calgary. Inside Alberta, dial 310-0000 to be connected toll free. Permission is given by the copyright owner to reproduce this handbook for educational purposes and on a nonprofit basis. 3 Curriculum Handbook Parents for 2000-2001 GRADE 8 4 Table of Contents iii Message from the Minister of Learning iv Introduction to the Grade 8 Handbook Introduction to the Junior High School Curriculum 1 2 What Is Curriculum? 2 Achievement Tests 2 Special Needs 3 English as a Second Language 3 Personal and Career Development English Language Arts 4 6 Mathematics Science 12 Social Studies 14 Physical Education 15 Health and Personal Life Skills 18 20 Information and Communication Technology 22 Optional Courses 22 Career and Technology Studies Fine and Performing Arts 23 24 Language Programs and Courses Other Than English Other 32 33 Feedback 5 ii /Grade 8 Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2000 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada Message from the Minister of Learning Alberta offers more schooling options than ever before. The opportunity for choice reflects our commitment to quality educationthe solid foundation every child needs to learn, grow and succeed. While students are at the centre of the education system, parents are vital partners. Your involvement in your child's education is critical to his or her success. To help your child succeedyou need to know what is being taught. This handbook is developed to provide you with that information. As well, I encourage you to continue working closely with your child's teacher who can provide you with invaluable information and guidance. The Curriculum Handbook for Parents series is your guide to each stage of It is an outline of what we expect our students to know at each learning. grade level of their education. When you know what is expected at school, you can provide the home support your children need. By reading about what they are learning at school and discussing it at home, you are sending a very important message to your childthat you value education. Alberta Learning revises curriculum in the core subject areas every eight to ten years. This ensures that course content remains current and relevant, and meets the needs of students preparing for their futures. Education is a fundamental part of the Alberta Advantage, and government's goal is for Alberta to have the best-educated students in the world. We can accomplish this only one wayby working together. We are all partners in educationparents, teachers, trustees, administrators, community membersand we must work to address issues and help ensure Alberta students acquire the knowledge and skills they need for a successful future. Our children are our future, and our most important investment. Dr. Lyle Oberg M.L.A. Strathmore-Brooks Minister of Learning Grade 8 /iii Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2000 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada Introduction to the This handbook provides parents with Grade 8 Handbook information about the Grade 8 curriculum the knowledge, skills and attitudes students in Alberta are expected to demonstrate when they have completed the Grade 8 curriculum. It is based on the Alberta Learning Program of Studies: Junior High Schools. The handbook includes samples of what students are expected to learn in each subject. The complete curriculum for Grade 8 is available in all Alberta junior high schools. 7 iv/Grade 8 Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2000 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada Introduction Alberta Learning specifies what all students are expected to learn and be TO THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM able to do. The curriculum is organized into separate subjects or course areas and is designed to enable teachers to make connections across subjects, and to develop programming that accommodates a range of student needs. We expect that teaching methods and schedules will vary from school to school and from class to class to meet the diverse learning needs of students. Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2000 Grade 8 / 1 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada Curriculum describes what students are expected to learn. In Alberta, What Is curriculum is developed by Alberta Learning and is described in Curriculum? documents called programs of study for elementary, junior high and senior high schools. The curriculum specifies what all students in the province are expected to learn in each subject area at each grade level. It is developed by Alberta Learning in consultation with teachers, administrators, parents, representatives from post-secondary institutions, and professional and community groups. Teachers are responsible for using the curriculum to plan their teaching activities and set appropriate levels of challenge according to students' learning needs and abilities. Teachers regularly assess student progress and report to parents, students and school administrators. A document entitled The Parent Advantage provides tips and strategies to assist parents in helping their children at home with their school work. This resource is available for purchase from the Learning Resources Distributing Centre. Achievement Tests As well as being assessed by their teachers, students write provincial achievement tests in grades 3, 6 and 9. Grade 3 students write achievement tests in language arts and mathematics. Grades 6 and 9 students write achievement tests in language arts, social studies, mathematics and science. The results of these achievement tests are provided to school boards and schools. Parents may ask for their child's test results at their local school. Information about provincial achievement testing in grades 3, 6 and 9 is provided in an Alberta Learning publication called Parent Guide to Provincial Achievement Testing. Individual guides for Grade 3 and for Grade 6 are available in elementary schools. The Grade 9 guide is available in junior high schools. The publications also may be obtained from Alberta Learning's Learner Assessment Branch. Special Needs School boards are required to provide each resident student with an education program, including access to special education programs. If you think that your child may have special needs, talk to your child's teacher. Partners During Changing Times is an information booklet for parents of children with special needs. It provides a general overview of how you can be involved in the education of your children. This document is available on the Alberta Learning web site or by contacting the Special Programs Branch, Edmonton. An additional resource, The Parent Advantage, provides tips and strategies to assist parents in helping their children at home with their schoolwork. This resource is available for purchase from the Learning Resources Distributing Centre. As well, A Handbook for Aboriginal Parents of Children with Special Needs provides information to assist Aboriginal parents in working with schools to meet the special needs of their children. This resource is also available for purchase from the Learning Resources Distributing Centre. 2 /Grade 8 Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2000 ©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada English as a Second Many children born in Canada have a first language other than English, Language and many students move here from non-English speaking countries. Schools provide additional assistance for English as a Second Language (ESL) students in grades 1 to 12. This helps them acquire sufficient fluency in English so they can integrate into the regular classroom as quickly as possible. If you think your child may have ESL needs, talk to your child's teacher. Personal and Career Preparing for life and work is a complex process that begins in the early Development years of schooling and continues throughout our lives. Alberta schools are taking an active rolealong with parents and the communityin helping students move successfully from basic education to further studies and the workplace. In junior high school, students begin linking their personal aptitudes and goals to possible future careers. They continue to develop life skills, including such employability skills as cooperating with others and being reliable. At this stage, students begin to outline their own learning and career goals. Personal and career development activities and outcomes are integrated into all junior high school courses and programs. The following junior high programs focus specifically on these topics: Health and Personal Life Skills 7-9, Physical Education 7-9, Career and Technology Studies (CTS) and work study. Many junior high schools organize special career development activities, such as mentoring, job shadowing, portfolios and annual career fairs. Students may be asked to complete a learning/career plan to help them select courses related to their interests and possible career opportunities. Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2000 Grade 8 /3 @Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada 10