Emphasis on spelling 'ignorant and cruel'

[Feenie]

Pie Corbett and the NAHT's reactions to the fact that dyslexic children are at risk of being labelled as failures under the new test regime.

www.tes.com/news/school-news/breaking-news/exclusive-new-writing-assessments-will-penalise-bright-dyslexic

Yes, thought of that one, but having trouble with a range. It's going to have to be very artificial, which is what I don't like.

Yes, agree that would be a sensible method of assessing, Rafa, and would at least allow some credit for creativity, as opposed to zero.

I feel like new test is pushing teachers and school to the limit (which I assume why ds's school started to give them same spelling list for every child, regardless of their ability), and making gaps even bigger for able and struggling children.

I would like ( if SATS were essential!) a writing assessment which focuses on writing for purpose/creativity/style/use of grammar, a grammar assessment which focuses on the applied use of grammar and a spelling age assessment, all three independent of each other. Then dyslexic children who really struggle can at least demonstrate their writing skill and grammar understanding without being penalised for their spelling difficulties.

Good idea spaniel.

It would give more info to secondaries too. It's such a broad subject that neither a level 4 or working towards/working at gives much indication of what a child can actually do. (I know that's not the point of summative assessment, but still).

It's a shame the government haven't taken the opportunity to clarify or change the rules around spelling in this latest publication. I wish more people would kick up a fuss. Our Senco is trying with the local authority but staff are worn down with the changes and the pressure they and the children are facing.

My daughter has had numerous quality interventions and similar to poster above can learn most words for tests and is a great reader but will spell certain words three different ways in an extended piece of writing.

Spanieleyes - I agree. I have no problem in saying my child has poor spelling and she will be the first to tell you she is 'rubbish at spelling' however I know her writing is at least at expected standard in all other criteria.

Mrz - thank you for the spelling lists in that format. I had given it up as a lost cause but I'm going to have another go using this (although I then worry I'm the one putting too much pressure on and torturing the poor child!)