In Grade 8, instructional time will focus on three critical areas: (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; (2) grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships and (3) analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.

While the content learning goals describe the mathematics students should be able to understand and do, the first eight learning goals (The Standards for Mathematical Practice) describe how students should engage with these mathematical concepts and skills as they grow in mathematical maturity and expertise.  Teachers will connect the mathematical practices to mathematical content in all mathematics instruction.  These learning goals merit the most time, resources, innovation, and focus necessary to qualitatively improve the instruction, assessment, and student achievement in mathematics.