Tracking progress through school-based assessments helps identify specific gaps in a student's spelling knowledge. These assessments can include spelling tests, quizzes, and diagnostic assessments that pinpoint areas where the student needs additional instruction or practice.
Why this helps
By identifying gaps in spelling, teachers can re-teach specific concepts at a slower pace, ensuring that students have a solid foundation before moving on to more complex material. Regular progress tracking also allows for timely intervention and prevents students from falling further behind.
The Process
Conduct Regular Assessments:
Use spelling assessments that diagnose specific weaknesses in spelling, such as issues with particular spelling patterns, phonics rules, or common word endings.
Use Data to Inform Instruction:
Analyse the results of these assessments to determine which areas require re-teaching. Tailor instruction to focus on these gaps, providing targeted support where it is most needed.
Classroom vs Extra Support
After each test, identify students who may need extra support and provide additional instruction or practice opportunities. This could include targeted small-group work, one-on-one sessions, or extra practice at home. By combining regular classroom instruction with tailored, extra support, students can consistently build upon their spelling skills and address any lingering gaps.
School-Based Spelling Tests
National Curriculum Spelling Lists
The UK National Curriculum provides year-by-year statutory spelling lists that outline expected spelling proficiency for each year group.
Why it’s useful
Teachers can easily create weekly or monthly tests based on these lists, ensuring alignment with national expectations.
Recommendation!
Use these lists to create regular spelling tests that review key words required by the curriculum.
Recommended Standarised Spelling Assessments (7-18)
National Curriculum Spelling Lists
The UK National Curriculum provides year-by-year statutory spelling lists that outline expected spelling proficiency for each year group.
Why it’s useful
Teachers can easily create weekly or monthly tests based on these lists, ensuring alignment with national expectations.
Recommendation!
Use these lists to create regular spelling tests that review key words required by the curriculum.
Schofield & Sims Spelling Test
Schofield & Sims offer a structured spelling test programme designed for Key Stage 2. The tests assess students’ ability to spell words with varying degrees of difficulty, ensuring a well-rounded view of their spelling proficiency.
Why it’s useful
The tests are based on the UK curriculum and cover key spelling rules and patterns taught in primary school, making it an ideal tool for tracking progress.
Recommendation!
Administer these tests every half-term to diagnose weaknesses and inform instruction.
Single Word Spelling Test (SWST)
The Single Word Spelling Test (SWST) is an assessment tool that focuses on children’s ability to spell individual words rather than using them in context. It is used to pinpoint specific areas of spelling difficulty.
Why it’s useful
It can identify gaps in foundational spelling knowledge, such as phonics and common patterns, which may need further attention.
Recommendation!
Use SWST to assess students at the start of each term to inform targeted instruction.
Nelson Spelling Assessment
Nelson Spelling is a popular UK-based programme designed to assess and improve spelling skills in primary students. It includes diagnostic tests to assess students' understanding of spelling patterns, phonics, and word structure.
Why it’s useful
The tests are based on the UK curriculum and cover key spelling rules and patterns taught in primary school, making it an ideal tool for tracking progress.
Recommendation!
Administer these tests every half-term to diagnose weaknesses and inform instruction.
GL Assessment’s New Group Spelling Test (NGST)
The NGST is a comprehensive spelling test designed for Key Stage 3 and 4 students. It evaluates students’ spelling knowledge and identifies areas requiring intervention.
Why it’s useful
It provides a standardised score that can be compared across schools, helping track student progress and identify those who may need extra support.
Recommendation!
Administer this test at the start and end of each school year to monitor progress and guide instruction.
Helen Arkell Spelling Test (second Edition) (HAST2)
The HAST2 is a diagnostic spelling assessment designed to evaluate spelling proficiency in students, providing both a standardised score and a spelling age.
Why it’s useful
It’s an effective tool for identifying specific spelling difficulties and tracking progress over time, making it suitable for schools seeking to support students with literacy needs.