View more information includingcourse sequences for 8th grade math and science courses below.
8th Grade Decisions
- Mathematics
- Science
Mathematics
We currently have three mathematics options for 8th-grade students, with open enrollment for all three courses. Each course requires at least 10 enrolled students to run. The base curriculum for all three courses is the NYS Algebra 1 curriculum. All 8th-grade students will take the NYS 8th-grade math assessment. Additionally, students in Enriched Algebra and Algebra 8 are required to take the Algebra Regents in June.
Enriched Algebra
Enriched Algebra is a fast-paced, rigorous Algebra course designed for strong math students who seek an additional challenge. This course has the NYS Algebra 1 curriculum as its base and will culminate in the Algebra 1 Regents exam in June. In addition to the NYS Algebra 1 learning standards, students will learn various Math 8 grade-level content standards and engage in a deep study of additional topics and rigorous problem-solving. Upon successful completion of this course, students will earn one high school mathematics credit. A student’s final average in this course will appear on their official high school transcript.
Algebra 8
Algebra 8 is a Regents-level Algebra course that prepares students to take the June Algebra 1 Regents exam. This course will be taught in a differentiated way to challenge high-readiness students while also supporting students to whom math may not come as easily. In addition to the NYS Algebra 1 curriculum, students will learn various Math 8 grade-level content standards. Upon successful completion of this course, students will earn one high school mathematics credit. A student’s final average in this course will appear on their official high school transcript.
Extended Algebra
Extended Algebra is the first year of a two-year Algebra 1 experience. In addition to NYS Algebra 1 learning standards, students will learn various Math 8 grade-level content standards. This course moves more slowly and focuses on foundational skill-building to make algebra concepts more accessible. Students in this course will take the Algebra 1 Regents exam, a HS graduation requirement, after completing a second year of algebra in 9th grade.
Science
There are two science options for 8th-grade students, with open enrollment for both courses. Each course requires at least 10 enrolled students to run. The District recommends that all students enroll in Life Science: Biology in 8th grade. Life Science: Biology is a high school course required for graduation, and earning this credit in middle school will open up additional opportunities for students in high school science.
Life Science:
Life Science: Biology is a Regents-level course (previously named Living Environment) that includes, but is not limited to, the significant themes and elements of the NYS life science curriculum. Students will engage with authentic, hands-on scientific and engineering experiences, called lab investigations, that count towards the minimum 1200 minutes of laboratory experience and are necessary to take the Regents exam. This course will be taught in a differentiated way to challenge high-readiness students while also supporting students who may struggle. Upon successful completion of this course, students will earn one high school life science credit. A student’s final average in this course will appear on their official high school transcript. Students will take the Life Science: Biology Regents in June. Students are exempt from the NYS Science 8 exam.
Science 8
Science 8 offers an integrative approach to physical, Earth, and life sciences for eighth-grade students, aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the New York State Science Learning Standards. It aims to deepen students' understanding of scientific concepts through a curriculum that emphasizes scientific inquiry, engineering practices, and the relevance of science in the real world. The course content includes contact forces, sound waves, forces and distances, natural selection and ancestry, genetics, and a unit on the earth in space. All Science 8 students will take the Science 8 exam. All Science 8 students will take Regents Life Science: Biology in high school.
Recommendation Note:
Due to the differentiated approach, and our commitment to inclusive learning environments, we will not recommend that students enroll in Extended Algebra or Science 8. Parents and caregivers can however opt their students into these courses.
Course Add/Drop and Level Change Dates
Requirements for dropping a level of a course:
By the end of the 3rd cycle, you may drop a course level. Grades will not follow in a course level change if done prior to the end of the 3rd cycle. After this date, the grades earned will follow to the new course, if a course level change occurs.
