Eighth grade Spanish is rich in the diversity of Hispanophone cultures with a focus on developing the three modes of communication:  interpersonal, presentational and interpretative. Students will be challenged to develop critical thinking skills through the use of essential questions and the interpretation of authentic documents in Spanish.    Problem solving skills will be emphasized through the study of global concerns such as environmental, political and national issues while developing excellent Spanish communication skills.  In addition to traditional summative and formative assessments (i.e. pencil and paper quizzes and tests) multiple creative and open ended projects will give students many opportunities to demonstrate their emerging linguistic proficiency. Technology skills will be used for research and communication in Spanish. The major cultural units focus on Costa Rica, Chile, Argentina, Mexico and Puerto Rico.  In language acquisition, students should expect to attain the novice high range, displacing the reliance on memorized material and acquiring an ability to operate in cognitive frameworks that extend beyond the self, embracing a global perspective.