To check 8th grade grades in the United States, students and parents typically follow these steps:

1. Access the School Portal: Most schools have an online portal where students and parents can view grades. This portal is usually password-protected for security reasons.

2. Log in with Credentials: Use the assigned username and password to log in.

3. Navigate to Grade Section: Look for a section labeled "Grades" or "Report Card.

4. Review Grades: Once in the grade section, you can view the current grades for each subject.

5. Check for Updates: Grades are often updated weekly or monthly, so check regularly for the most recent information.

6. Contact Teacher if Necessary: If there are any questions or concerns, contact the teacher directly through the school's communication system.

The importance of checking 8th grade grades lies in the significant role they play in a student's academic and future success. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), students who consistently perform well in 8th grade are more likely to graduate from high school and pursue higher education. Regularly monitoring grades allows students and parents to identify areas of strength and weakness, enabling timely interventions and support. Additionally, grades in 8th grade are often used as a baseline for evaluating student performance in high school and beyond.