You can download the 8th Grade TAAS exams from 1997-2002, as well as the 2003, 2004and 2006 TAKS exams below. The TAAS/TAKS tests are in PDF format and you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to read the files. You may link to the free Adobe Reader site below.
Every good citizen makes his country's honor his own, and cherishes it not only as precious but as sacred. He is willing to risk his life in its defense and is conscious that he gains protection while he gives it. ---Andrew Jackson
A young man who does not have what it takes to perform military service is not likely to have what it takes to make a living. Today's military rejects include tomorrow's hard-core unemployed. ---John F. Kennedy
From time to time, the tree of liberty must be watered with the blood of tyrants and patriots.
1. Select a column- NOT A NEWS ARTICLE!!! You may select a column from the opinion page of a local news paper such as the Killeen Daily Herald or the Austin American-Statesman (go to their "opinion" pages). You may also choose from ANY of the the columnists I have listed below.
2. Write a two paragraph (minimum) response paper- one paragraph on what the column is about.
3. Write a second paragraph about what you believe.. Do you agree or disagree with the columnist? Explain why with at least 5 sentences.
4. Cut out or print out the column you read and submit it with your response paper.
5. If the response paper is well written and you demonstrate a strong voice in your writing, I will replace your lowest grade with a 100 for "classwork". I WILL ONLY ALLOW THREE (3) PER NINE WEEK GRADING PERIOD!!!
Guest Book Rules: Feel free to make MEANINGFUL comments, but do not use vulgarity or insulting language toward school personnel, students, etc. If that occurs ONCE, the guest book will be deleted! Also, email me if you have a question- Do NOT ask it in my guest book. Thank you!
(+ 1 from Cruddas, and 1 from Hardage LHMS total = 23!)
District average passing rate... 85%
I'm a great believer in luck and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.
- Thomas Jefferson
I've got a theory that if you give 100 percent all of the time, somehow things will work out in the end.
-Larry Bird (Go Celtics!)
Aim at perfection in everything, though in most things it is unattainable. However, they who aim at it, and persevere, will come much nearer to it than those whose laziness and despondency make them give it up as unattainable.
- Lord Chesterfield
Industry need not wish.
- Benjamin Franklin
Do every act of your life as if it were your last..
-Marcus Aurelius
People might not get all they work for in this world, but they must certainly work for all they get.
-Frederick Douglass
This was unquestionably an extraordinary year for my students with record breaking results. A 99%passing rate... 21 perfect 100's (that's 1 out of every six students... another 17 students only got one question wrong)... and 77% of my students earned commended performance (no less than an 88% on the exam).
To say I am proud of their accomplishments would be the understatement of the year! I love them all!!! Pay attention future 8th graders- you have some huge shoes to fill! Will we see a 100% passing rate in 2006-07? It's all up to you!
