Comments on: Should Spelling Count?

By: Linda Kardamis

Linda Kardamis — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 15:59:43 +0000

In reply to Julie.

Definitely use your discretion. If you think it’s too much to expect them to know how to spell all of them, then you can choose to let it go. However, you may decide that you do want them to at least start to learn how to spell the words correctly – in which case, this solution still works since all that’s required is for them to write each word 5 times (in your example – a max of 100 words even if they miss all of them)

By: Robin

Robin — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 00:46:10 +0000

In this day of high stakes testing, students are required to explain their reasoning and process to receive full credit for responses given. If our students can’t articulate in a manner that makes their thoughts clear to the grader, we will not see a score that accurately reflects their abilities. We owe it to them to help them do this.

By: Julie

Julie — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 01:33:41 +0000

What grades do you recommend starting this in? What about 2nd or 3rd grade when they are required to learn 20 states in a week or two?

By: Caroline Smith

Caroline Smith — Sat, 25 Nov 2017 06:46:43 +0000

Thank you so much for this post. The art of listening is indeed a critical life skill. Being mindful of the way we listen is very important to actually become better listener. Spelling test for grade 6

By: Caroline Smith

Caroline Smith — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 06:05:16 +0000

This ideal method of writing that would help students to develop their good skills in writing activities as well as the skills of learning for spelling. Spell bee quiz online

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 12:51:02 +0000

I feel that students should be encouraged to care about their spelling as early as possible. If they are supported and given the tools in first grade, they are more apt to make the effort for the rest of their life.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 17:31:17 +0000

I feel that spelling should count on projects and other assignments on which they have extended time to work. If spelling counts, I put it in the directions and/or rubric. I don’t count off for misspellings on quizzes or even essays that are handwritten. I teach a computer based class and the students have spellcheck. If spellcheck is available, they need to learn to take advantage of it. I have one son who can spell most anything and one who struggles to spell common words. Both are adults and the one who struggles takes advantage of the spelling helps on his computer and his phone. My sister isn’t a very good speller either. She is a speech pathologist and has made a point of learning to spell the words she uses on a regular basis in her job. She relies on spellcheck and friends and family for the rest.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 15:52:32 +0000

Plus, your system differentiates which points were lost for spelling specifically so it shouldn’t be a problem with students or parents understanding what has been mastered in the subject area.

By: Linda Kardamis

Linda Kardamis — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 17:54:28 +0000

In reply to Darrell.

I always agreed with you – until I had students who couldn’t articulate basic math terms in an educated way (i.e. were spelling them completely wrong to the point they looked uneducated). In today’s society, being able to articulate & write is key. That’s why I came up with this system…

By: Darrell

Darrell — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 22:57:52 +0000

What is the purpose of grading? Assessment? It is to inform the teacher, student, and parent as to where the child is compared to the specific subjects set of standards. If Math is the subject being assessed, taking points off for spelling invalidates the results. An 80% with spelling errors misinforms the parent telling them that the child has 80% mastery of that particular standard assessed, but this is untrue. The child could have 90% or even 100% mastery but spelling is the issue and should be reflected in the Language Arts Grade..