Eighth Grade Gateway Requirements

1. Eighth Grade Gateway Requirements CMS Local Promotion Requirements

2. To Be Promoted to the ninth grade, eighth graders should: • Meet CMS local promotion requirements, which include • Class work/class preparation • Earning a grade of 70 (“D”) or above in Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health/PE, and one other elective course • Demonstrate grade level proficiency by scoring at or above a Level III on state End –of-Grade tests in reading and mathematics.

3. Promotion/Retention Rubric • If a student does not earn a Level III in either reading or mathematics on the End-0f-Grade tests, a promotion/retention rubric is completed for that student. • According to CMS guidelines, a student must earn a specific number of points on the rubric to be recommended for promotion.

4. Rubric points are earned by: • Receiving a good class grade • Demonstrating “on-grade-level” work in the classroom (work samples) • Passing a content area assessment given at the end of the year • EOG score • Teacher input on student performance capability • EC and/or LEP goal attainment

5. Request for a Promotion Hearing • If a student who did not earn a Level III or higher on both the reading and mathematics End-of-Grade tests does not earn enough points on the promotion rubric to be recommended for promotion, the parent may request a promotion hearing. • A letter providing parents with information on how to request a promotion hearing will be sent home at the end of the year with students who do not pass the EOG tests and do not earn the points required on the promotion rubric to be recommended for promotion.

6. A Student’s Best Effort is Important • It is very important that all eighth graders focus on putting forth their best effort and do well academically. • Attendance matters, completing all class work and homework assignments matters, grades matter, being the best student you can be matters! • Eighth graders, each of you plays a large role in your success. You matter!

7. What Can Students Do To Make Sure They Are the Best They Can Be? • Set personal goals for academic achievement. (ie. completing all work, achieving great grades, specific goals for EOG scores, etc.) • Be an active participant in class. • Go to class prepared. (ie. do the required reading ahead of time, bring materials to class each day, etc.) • Stay organized. Keep your notebooks and locker organized.

8. What Can Students Do To Make Sure They Are the Best They Can Be? • Ask for help in class if you don’t understand something. • Ask teachers to tutor you if you need help. • Ask your parents to get you a tutor if you need help. • Work with a buddy to study for quizzes/tests. • Set a time and find a quiet place at home for completing homework.

9. How Can Parents Help? • Be involved in your child’s education. Know who your child’s teachers are, what your child has for homework, that your child is doing homework regularly, when tests will take place, when projects are assigned, etc. • Attend school events and activities. • Use Parent Assistant on a regular basis to monitor your child’s progress. • Encourage your child to be an active participant in class. • Expect your child to complete all class work and homework assignments on time and to do them well.

10. How Can Parents Help? • Be sure your child has a regular time and a quiet place to complete homework. • Check Parent Portal weekly. • Check your child’s agenda on a daily basis. • Contact your child’s teachers occasionally to ask how your child is performing. • If your child is struggling, encourage him/her to see the teacher for help outside of class. • Help your child develop organizational skills. • Be aware of and support your child’s academic goals.