Spelling Interventions and Strategies

Given the number of words in the English language, mastering spelling is a daunting and complex task. Yet, spelling is critical for enhancing word knowledge used in reading and for fluent and qualitative writing that provides effective communication. However, many students, particularly those with learning disabilities, are poor spellers. Computer spell checkers are one option for poor spellers even though up to 63% of errors can remain uncorrected. Hence, an emphasis on spelling as a structured curriculum area is reemerging in research, in the classroom, and in school psychologists' assessment and intervention practices.

Decades of research present a number of effective teaching options for spelling; however, there are two barriers to effective spelling practices in the classroom. First, teachers persistently use a simple but ineffective method ...