8th Grade Reading Expectations
Student Version

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1. The student understands and uses different skills and strategies to read.

1.1 Uses word skills to read

• 1.1.1 I can integrate a variety of skills and strategies to read (language structure, word origins, prefixes, suffixes, multiple meanings, predictions, verifying and revising understanding).
• 1.1.2 I can integrate appropriate reading strategies to adapt reading to different types of texts (self-correcting, re-reading, reading-on, questioning, and slowing down).

1.2 Builds vocabulary

• 1.2.1 I can increase my general and specialized vocabulary base.
• 1.2.2 I can examine and increase my vocabulary relevant to different contexts, cultures, and communities.

1.3 Reads fluently

• 1.3.1 I can read fluently, adjusting my reading for form, style, purpose, and difficulty of material.

• 1.4.1 I can identify literary devices (exaggeration, irony, humor, dialogue, devices that develop characterization, tension, and mood).
• 1.4.2 I can understand sentence structure, paragraphs, and chapters.
• 1.4.3 I can analyze literary elements (plot, characters, setting, theme, point of view, conflict, and resolution).

• 1.5.1 I can read, analyze, and use informational materials to demonstrate understanding and expertise; I can analyze the validity of electronic information.
• 1.5.2 I can use complex organizational features of printed text (titles, headings, table of contents, indexes, glossaries, prefaces, appendices, captions, citations, endnotes, etc.).
• 1.5.3 I can use features of electronic information (electronic bulletin boards and databases, e-mail, etc.).

• 2.1.1 I can demonstrate comprehension of varied texts especially technical materials, complex narratives, and exposition.
• 2.1.2 I can summarize the main idea and supporting facts and details with evidence from my reading.
• 2.1.3 I can use prior knowledge of issues, characters, events, and information to examine texts and extend my understanding.
• 2.1.4 I can synthesize ideas from selections to make predictions and inferences about various texts.

2.2 Expands comprehension

• 2.2.1 I can compare, contrast, and connect ideas within and among a broad range of texts.
• 2.2.2 I can use logical sequence to accurately retell stories; I can order and/or sequences parts of text.
• 2.2.3 I can expand my comprehension by analyzing, interpreting, and synthesizing information and ideas.

2.3 Thinks critically

• 2.3.1 I can begin to draw conclusions based on the validity and accuracy of what I read.
• 2.3.2 I can explain how an author uses language to influence different audiences.
• 2.3.3 I can analyze and evaluate author’s effectiveness for a chosen audience.
• 2.3.4 I can detect bias, stereotype, over generalization, association, and other devices used by the author to influence an audience.
• 2.3.5 I can apply information gained from reading to give a response and express insight.
• 2.3.6 I can analyze, interpret, and evaluate ideas and concepts within, among, and beyond multiple texts.
• 2.3.7 I can analyze, interpret, and evaluate reasoning and ideas related to multiple texts.

3. The student reads different material for a variety of purposes.

3.1 Reads to learn new information

• 3.1.1 I can organize information from resource materials and communicates findings effectively.
• 3.1.2 I can locate, analyze, and interpret material to investigate a question, topic, or issue.

3.2 Reads to perform a task

• 3.2.1 I can understand and follow complex information to perform tasks for a specific audience.

• 3.3.1 I can read, respond to, and evaluate a variety of traditional and contemporary literature (poetry, essays, short stories, novels, biographies, nonfiction narratives, and plays).
• 3.3.2 I can read critically to analyze, compare, and contrast works of various authors and to understand multiple perspectives and issues of myself, others, and world issues.
• 3.3.3 I can identify recurring themes in literature such as human interaction, identity, conflict and struggle, and social and economic change.

• 3.4.1 I can identify particular reading skills required for occupational/career areas of interest.
• 3.4.2 I can use appropriate reading strategies for interpreting technical and nontechnical documents from different career settings such as scanning, finding specific information, and inferring from data.

• 4.1.1 I can assess my strengths and need for improvement using identified standards.

4.2 Seeks and offers feedback

• 4.2.1 I can apply academic and technical standards to evaluate and improve my reading.

4.3 Develops interests and shares reading experiences

• 4.3.1 I can develop interests and share knowledge gained through reading with others.