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Version 1.3 – Updated November 2024

Spelling programs

Overview

  • Influence: Spelling programs
  • Domain: Curricula
  • Sub-Domain: Reading, writing and the arts
  • Potential to Accelerate Student Achievement: Potential to accelerate
  • Influence Definition: Spelling programs refer to commercial programs for teaching spelling in classrooms. Traditionally, developing spelling skills in English present a substantial challenge for many children, as spelling skills do not transfer from reading skills automatically.

Evidence

  • Number of meta-analyses: 3
  • Number of studies: 163
  • Number of students: 15,826
  • Number of effects: 230
  • Weighted mean effect size: 0.53
  • Robustness index: 3

Meta-Analyses

Meta-Analyses
Journal Title Author First Author's Country Article Name Year Published Variable Number of Studies Number of Students Number of Effects Effect Size
Reading and Writing Graham & Santangelo USA Does spelling instruction make students better spellers, readers, and writers? A meta-analytic review 2014 Teaching spelling 53 6,037 58 0.54
Dissertation Lin USA The effects of code-based literacy interventions on spelling achievement: A meta-analysis 2013 Code base spelling program 91 9,341 153 0.58
Journal of Learning Disabilities Wanzek, Vaughn, Wexler, Swanson, Edmonds, & Kim USA A synthesis of spelling and reading interventions and their effects on the spelling outcomes of students with LD 2006 Teaching spelling to LD 19 448 19 0.27
TOTAL/AVERAGE 163 15,826 230 0.46
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