A 2nd grade standard in writing reads that students will use common rules of spelling. Therefore, they must be able to apply these rules in their writing across curricular areas.
Each Friday, students are given a dictation style formative (practice) spelling assessment. In other words, students are dictated sentences that include the week's spelling words, and they are required to rewrite these sentences. While the application of their spelling words (both for the current week AND previous weeks) is expected, students must spell the other words, which are not graded, to the best of their abilities.
To earn a 3, students may miss NO MORE THAN one word. To earn a 3+, students must spell all ten words AND 4/5 of the challenge words correctly.
If you believe your child needs additional assistance with his / her spelling, feel free to administer a practice dictation style test at home. This may better prepare the child for Friday's assessment.
We understand that these students are not accustomed to taking dictation style spelling tests; however we were VERY pleased and impressed on Friday with how well the students listened and kept up with the teachers. :)
