Reply to Spelling in FCPS

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Spelling tests are kind of artificial. The best way to become a good speller is to read A LOT and to write. Learn some basic spelling rules (I before E, e.g, but even then, exceptions) so reading a variety of texts produces better spellers than anything else.

And really, we don't like to say it, but being a good speller overall is kind of an innate skill. [/quote]

For some kids this works and this is the approach that FCPS is based on.

BUT, there are a lot of kids that fall through the huge cracks of this method.  Kids that have a more difficult time with reading, kids that have a harder time with writing.  If these kids are not full on failing, the school does nothing for them.  They read the bare minimum and write the bare minimum.

I have 2 kids with dyslexia and dysgraphia, FCPS does nothing for them. I've tried numerous times and even though technically they shouldn't have to be failing that's always the excuse we receive. They are on grade level for 2 reasons, they have fairly high IQs so have learned to compensate for their weaknesses and because I spend almost $500 per WEEK on therapy for them. Plus me working with them at home.

They can't spell at all.  The things they write don't even look remotely like the correct spelling.  But since teachers don't grade the spelling on all the "Kreeatib" writing FCPS endorses, there are no repercussions.

They need spelling words and the rules that go with them.  Not word study- actual spelling with rules.

Same for grammar.  The rules need to be taught, not thrown in as a side bar on a worksheet.

[/quote]

Agree 100%.  And not just spelling words, but definitions that go with them.  [/quote]

Our school is actually pretty good with vocabulary. They use wordly wise for this for all students and [b]in some AAP classes they use Cesar's English.[/b] None of those lists are related to word study though.[/quote]

This is part of the problem.  There is a good grammar and language program available, yet it's only part of the AAP curriculum.  If your child isn't in AAP, they get crap word study and no real grammar.

It's abhorrent that only some kids get a real education, while the rest are given 'SuperTeacherWorksheets' and the teaching varies from teacher to teacher.
[/quote]

Yep.  Of course parents who have kids in AAP see absolutely nothing wrong with the status quo.  And apparently, neither does FCPS.  [/quote]

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