Spelling Woes

[4Hispraise]

I am in need of advice. We have followed the HOD plan of dictation since PHFHG. We are beginning MTMM or the Geography Guide in the fall, depending on what we decide to do for high school (umm...yeah, that is this fall)- a whole other story. Here is the problem. My son just finished eighth grade Iowa testing. He did great in all areas except spelling, testing FAR below grade level. I am not sure what to do about this because he completes dictation without trouble. He misspells words in writing assignments and his history narrations...but not a lot. He can usually correct his error when he proofreads. This is such a great improvement over years past that I haven't been to concerned until the test results came in. So...what am I to do?

Any help? Should I just chalk it up to his stress level and OCD melt down during testing? Should I add something to dictation? He has not completed all eight levels yet...so will that be enough to fix the problem? Am I missing something? Any thoughts or other options?

[pjdobro]

I'm certainly no expert but my feeling is that if in his writing assignments he is spelling correctly or catching his errors on proofreading, I wouldn't worry. I wonder how the test is structured? Being able to spell well in everyday situations is far greater than being able to perform on a spelling test. Perhaps it was just nerves and the stress of testing that caused the problems. Do you test every year? Was this a big change from before?

[chillin'inandover]

I was having a similar conversation wit myself after filing my ds's latest results. The good news about my ds is that all his other scores were PHS-99% and he just finished 5 th grade. Spelling was 6.1 good if in 5 th grade. He must be pretty smart.
Well back to my concern & yours too. Just some thoughts. He has made steady progress through the years. I looked at my older dds and they had the same pattern excellent PHS scores and lower at or a little bit above grade level. They used a different spelling program- Spelling Power. One did excellent on writing portion of ACT-31. Both are A students in college & tutor English. So I think the test is skewed or the kiddos are not paying close attention to that portion of the test. I looked at the test so that could be the case. The words were advanced words phonetically so that may be the missing skill. Kiddos can often read better than spell. My kiddos all have ADHD with a bit of anxiety but enjoy testing.
All this to say, I wouldn't be concerned as I know that this HOD is solid. Your kiddo has been blessed by your providing the education. For the future your dc can get test accommodations if so desired if you plan on having them attend college. Blessings on your homeschool journey.

Tammy

[4Hispraise]

Thank you for this reassurance! I am so thankful for your words of encouragement. We love, LOVE HOD & I know God brought us here. I was just panicking about the spelling score. I think it is the first time I have wondered if dictation for my ds was going to be enough!

And chillin'inandover, that is so great that your son is doing so well! My youngest is just beginning the HOD journey and we did not use it with my oldest until 5th grade...so I am encouraged to hear how well your son is doing!

I'm certainly no expert but my feeling is that if in his writing assignments he is spelling correctly or catching his errors on proofreading, I wouldn't worry.

Thank you! I needed to hear this.