Should the Spelling Curriculum Be Removed from Schools?

Should the Spelling Curriculum be Removed from Schools?

Like it or not, most students have taken a spelling test at some time. If you study, you usually do well. If you don't study the test is something to dread. Spelling tests have been around for many years, but that may be about to change. Some school districts are now thinking about removing spelling from the English language arts curriculum. Administrators are always looking for ways to improve reading test scores. Apparently, some districts have decided that spelling does not raise reading comprehension and therefore it is not important. Spelling, however, is important not just for reading comprehension, but also for study skills, and life skills.

Studying spelling is not just about memorizing word lists. You usually have to look up the definitions so that you know what the words actually mean. This expands the vocabulary of students. It makes them better writers and better speakers. Students must understand what the words mean so they will comprehend what they are reading. Also, spelling requires you to know how to use the words correctly. You learn things like parts of speech, and how to make words plural, or possessive. The spelling curriculum is an important part of reading comprehension.

When you study for a spelling test, you learn valuable study skills. You learn how to manage your time carefully. Usually, word lists are given on Monday and tests are on Friday. This requires you to plan time to review words and figure out the best ways to remember what you have learned. Probably one of the most important lessons from studying spelling is the idea that "cramming" is not an effective way to study. It's better to review a little each day.

Studying spelling is also very important in daily life. Whether it is right or wrong people will judge you by the language you use. If you have a very small vocabulary or do not use words properly, you may suffer the consequences. If you apply for a job and have spelling errors on your application you may not get the job you want. Some people argue that spelling should not be taught because everyone has a spell check program on their computers. If you use that kind of thinking, then why should math be taught because everyone has calculators? Why bother even teaching reading since everyone has TV and IPods? The point is when do you stop?

Spelling is really the study of words.