The Validity of Standardized Spelling Scales

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

The Elementary School Journal

Abstract

A number of tests and scales have been devised for the purpose of measuring pupil achievement in spelling. Certain educators have severely criticized many of these tests and scales on the ground that, when these instruments are used, the children are tested on words that they have not studied. Certainly, no test should be given for the purpose of measuring the efficiency of spelling instruction unless the words used in the test have been studied by the children tested. If children are tested on words that they have not studied, the pupils, as well as their teachers, become disgruntled and acquire an undesirable attitude toward testing. Do the tests and scales on the market today contain words that the children have not studied? For example, does a test designed for Grade IV contain words that the children in that grade have not studied?

Publication Date

5-1935

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