December 1, 2003

Dear Parents:

Several years ago, elementary school staff members identified spelling as an area of needed improvement. Since then, with the help of our mentor teachers, we have looked across the country for approaches that are proven to be effective. Based on what we have learned through observation, research, and experience, we will adjust our instruction to help our students become better spellers. Among those adjustments, three are central:

1. We will increase the instructional time devoted to spelling
2. We will focus on high frequency words (words used most frequently in good writing)
3. We will raise our expectations and accountability for spelling accuracy in daily writing

Our goal is to raise the level of importance of spelling for our students, teach them specific spelling strategies, and aid their long term retention of how to spell key words. By insisting that words on the grade level core lists are spelled accurately in student writing, we intend to create a rehearsal for real-world use of spelling. Students will be assessed in much the same way adults are in the workplace and the community -- through their writing.

Your continued assistance at home will be enormously helpful. Packets of information are being prepared to aid you as you assist your child. We will be asking our students to do more than memorize words for a single test. We want our students to understand word construction and regularly demonstrate mastery of the spelling words at their grade level.

Thank you for your support of our efforts. Our continued partnership is the best guarantee of student success.

Sincerely,

Leah Laule
Assistant Superintendent

Education Services