Engaging Parents in 8th Grade Education

Bernetta Snow, a specialist in the Canton City School District, discusses the essential skills 8th graders need to master, including citing evidence, understanding authors' intentions, and research. She emphasizes the role of technology in education, allowing for virtual field trips and creative projects. The development of academic language is crucial, as students must learn to deduce meanings without a glossary. Parents are encouraged to engage actively with teachers and support their children's learning at home, using current events as teachable moments.

Who is Bernetta Snow?

• A student in the 8th grade

• A parent of an 8th grader

• The state assessment and performance integration specialist

• A teacher at Canton City School District

What is one of the key skills 8th graders need to master?

• Basic arithmetic

• Citing evidence

• Playing musical instruments

• Cooking

How do 8th graders build on skills learned in earlier grades?

• By forgetting them

• By tiering and stepping on top of them

• By ignoring them

• By starting from scratch

What role does technology play in 8th-grade education?

• It replaces teachers

• It allows for virtual field trips and creative projects

• It is used only for games

• It is not used at all

Why is developing academic language important?

• To impress friends

• To understand texts without a glossary

• To learn new languages

• To write better stories

How can parents best support their 8th-grade children?

• By buying them gifts

• By doing their homework for them

• By having active dialogue with teachers

• By ignoring their studies

What is a suggested way for parents to engage with their children on current issues?

• By avoiding discussions

• By watching cartoons together

• By creating an issues board

• By ignoring the news

What should parents use each current event as?

• A teachable moment

• A reason to panic

• A chance to argue

• A time to relax