New York State Learning Standards and Core Curriculum
NY.RH.5-8. Reading Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies
Craft and Structure
RH.5-8.4. Determine the meanings of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary specific to domains related to history/social studies.
RH.5-8.5. Describe how a text presents information (e.g., sequentially, comparatively, causally).
Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity
RH.5-8.10. By the end of grade 8, read and comprehend history/social studies texts in the grades 5-8 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
NY.8P. Grade 8: Social Studies Practices
8P.A. Gathering, Interpreting, and Using Evidence
8P.A.1. Define and frame questions about the United States and answer them by gathering, interpreting, and using evidence.
NY.8. History of the United States and New York State II
8.2. A CHANGING SOCIETY: Industrialization and immigration contributed to the urbanization of America. Problems resulting from these changes sparked the Progressive movement and increased calls for reform. (Standards: 1, 2, 4; Themes: MOV, SOC, TECH, EXCH)
8.2d. In response to shifts in working conditions, laborers organized and employed a variety of strategies in an attempt to improve their conditions.
8.2d.1. Students will examine the goals and tactics of specific labor unions including the Knights of Labor, the American Federation of Labor, and the Industrial Workers of the World.
8.2d.2. Students will examine key labor events including the Haymarket affair, the Pullman Strike and the International Ladies Garment Workers’ Union strike.
8.2e. Progressive reformers sought to address political and social issues at the local, state, and federal levels of government between 1890 and 1920. These efforts brought renewed attention to women’s rights and the suffrage movement and spurred the creation of government reform policies.
8.2e.1. Students will examine the Populist Party as a reform effort by farmers in response to industrialization.
8.3. EXPANSION AND IMPERIALISM: Beginning in the second half of the 19th century, economic, political, and cultural factors contributed to a push for westward expansion and more aggressive United States foreign policy. (Standards: 1, 2, 3, 5; Themes: GEO, GOV, CIV, ECO)
8.3a. Continued westward expansion contributed to increased conflicts with Native Americans.
8.3a.1. Students will examine the effects of the transcontinental railroad on the movement toward westward expansion.