In order to better meet the needs of our students and to provide an atmosphere that is both challenging and offers an opportunity for success, we have decided to greater differentiate eighth humanities instruction for the 2002-2003 school year. Although the course content will be similar in the two classes, assignments, instructional methods, and tests will be differentiated. Due to the operation of the schedule, students must be in the same level for both language arts and history; however, it will be possible to reassign a student at the end of a grading term if it becomes apparent that another placement would be more appropriate.

Accelerated History 8 is designed to prepare gifted students to take the most challenging high school social studies courses, such as Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB). There will be a heavy emphasis on writing and historical interpretation skills as well as more current events coverage. Students in this class should expect less repetition between the assigned readings and class discussion and therefore should have demonstrated the ability to read accurately for information during their seventh grade year.

Advanced History 8 is designed for gifted eighth grade students. This course will cover the same curriculum as the accelerated course, but with less emphasis on outside reading and more assistance in writing and review of course content. It is expected that students who are successful in this class will be eligible to take honors level social studies classes in high school.