What Can We Do About Spelling? A Progress Report.

The article focuses on different ways and means to improve spelling instruction. The concern about spelling is reinforced by the results of standardized tests which have been given over a period of years. The Language Arts Curriculum Committee, which is one of six voluntary general curriculum committees, decided to see what could be done about the problem. Some of the following were mentioned as possible contributing causes of poor spelling instruction--poor and inadequate format spelling program, the routinized use of a formal spelling program, insufficient time for teaching spelling, not enough attention to spelling in everyday writing situations and words taught are of no immediate use to pupils. In attacking the spelling problem the Committee determined to try a number of approaches. In one case, four different formal spelling programs were selected for the study and comparison, in grades two through eight in ten different schools. The most difficult problem is that of evaluating the effectiveness of the various approaches and methods that are being used. Teachers have been encouraged to try out any ideas they might have for evaluating results.