The effects of a morphemically based spelling program were ascertained for students of low, average, and high spelling achievement levels. Results show that the experimental group, in comparison to the control group, significantly improved its spelling performance. (Authors/JN)

The effectiveness of current teaching practices and texts is examined and a more systematic method of teaching spelling is suggested. This approach provides for individualized instruction in problem areas that arise from the student's own classroom work rather than class instruction using words drawn from random lists. (PMJ)

The authors describe the results from a study using sign language and the manual alphabet to improve spelling skills of learning disabled second graders. (SBH)

Reviews several development and research activities that were an out-growth of using cognitive theory to design CAI programs in spelling. A psychological theory of spelling performance was used as the conceptual basis for developing several instructional programs illustrating how a cognitive approach can strengthen lesson design strategies in CAI.…

Describes a technique for teaching remedial community college students spelling words in context by having them do daily writing and compile their own spelling lists. (DD)

Presents three activities that prepare students for matching up with spelling partners, carrying out partner quizzes, and scoring partner quizzes. A sidebar provides tips for making partner quizzes work. (SM)

Describes "Sort, Search, and Discover," a spelling instruction strategy that assesses students' current knowledge and individualizes the study of words with common spelling patterns or rules. Discusses how it was developed, the five-day instructional plan, and how to adjust for an inclusion classroom. (SR)

Explains that homophones, homographs, and homonyms provide opportunities rather than obstacles in learning. Notes that the verbal art form of puns depends mightily on homophones, homographs, and homonyms. Provides a sampling of resources that explore homophones, homographs, and homonyms. (PM)

Discusses various theories of spelling development including their relevance to regularly spelled languages. Concludes that, as in other languages, children are integrating many different types of linguistic knowledge in their attempt to spell words correctly; dialect, orthography, and grammatical knowledge are all important. (SG)

Reflects on four significant issues discussed in this issue devoted to teaching writers to spell: (1) how much time should be spent on spelling; (2) how kids can be helped to care more about spelling; (3) how stakeholders can be helped to understand the point of what educators are doing with spelling; and (4) where the national climate is heading…

Investigates the usefulness of standards, targets/goals, and norms for pronunciation teaching in English. Proposed features of pronunciation models are examined critically, and a polymodel approach is recommended. (31 references) (Author/OD)

Two studies on the effectiveness of supplemental homework assignments on the acquisition of basic skills (math facts and spelling) with elementary school-aged learning-disabled students found three factors which maximized homework effectiveness: rate of homework completion, percentage correct of the homework, and rate of acquisition of the content…

Presents a new approach to spelling instruction, "cued spelling," that gives children greater control over their own learning. Describes the procedure designed for two individuals working together, whether parent and child or two children. (SR)

Evaluation of a personalized system of instruction (PSI) on the spelling performance of 10 behaviorally disordered elementary students found improved spelling accuracy, further improvement when same-day retakes were allowed, improved student attitudes, and student preference of the PSI spelling program over traditional approaches. (Author/DB)

Argues that orthographic knowledge develops amidst cultural activity for which reading and writing are social and intellectual tools. Advocates school-based spelling instruction that promotes a deep and thorough understanding of orthography. Contrasts "insulated" and "imbedded" spelling programs. (RS)