A study compared a traditional text-oriented spelling program to a non-traditional word study spelling program on the basis of four characteristics: students' academic success, students' self-esteem, interest in spelling, and time spent on- and off-task. The sample group consisted of two third grade classes, and both spelling programs had been implemented since the beginning of the year. Eighteen students were in the traditional group, and 20 students were in the non-traditional group. An analysis of students' grades showed that below-level readers in the traditional group were much less successful than their below- level peers in the non-traditional class. The non-traditional students viewed themselves as better spellers and as more successful in spelling. Students in both groups were about equally likely to choose spelling as one of their two favorite subjects. Finally, students in both groups spent almost equal amounts of time on-task. (Seven graphs and seven tables of data are included. Appendixes include samples of teaching materials from both programs.) (Author/SR)