What 8th grade curriculum needs to cover
8th grade usually needs a strong daily rhythm around algebra or pre-algebra, formal writing, literature, science, history, and high-school planning. Then compare that with Pennsylvania's required-subject summary: English, including spelling, reading, and writing, Arithmetic and mathematics, Science, Geography, History of the United States and Pennsylvania, Civics, Safety education, including regular and continuous instruction in fire safety, Health and physiology, Physical education, Music, Art, Literature, Foreign language in the elementary grades.