Questions Parent Can Ask about Writing, Spelling and Testing
Questions Parent Can Ask about Writing, Spelling and Testing
Questions Parent Can Ask about Writing, Spelling and Testing
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uestions<strong>Parent</strong>s <strong>Can</strong> <strong>Ask</strong>...About <strong>Spelling</strong>, <strong>Writing</strong> <strong>and</strong>Assessments/<strong>Testing</strong>When a child struggles with reading, he often also experiences difficulties with spelling,writing <strong>and</strong> assessments/testing. As his parent, you need specific information to support his progress inthese areas.Whether attending a parent/teacher conference, participating in writing your child’s IEP (IndividualizedEducation Program) or 504 plan, or preparing to work with your child at home, choose the questionsthat relate to your child’s needs to gather the information you need. Use the boxes provided to recordthe answers from your child’s teacher(s) or education specialist.Remember: Always ask for an explanation of anything that you do not underst<strong>and</strong>.If you have questions <strong>about</strong> your child’s spelling, ask. . .1. What is my child’s spelling level?2. What impact does my child’s reading ability have on his spelling?3. How do you decide what words my child will have for spelling?4. Are they the words my child will use in writing?5. How do you blend reading, writing <strong>and</strong> practice activities in the classroom to help my child become a better speller?
6. What supports are used in the classroom to encourage accurate spelling? <strong>Can</strong> I use these athome? If not, are there other supports that will work at home?7. If your child seems to do well on spelling tests, yet shows little improvement on spelling when he writes, ask. . . <strong>Can</strong>you tell me some ways I can support his transferring spelling test words into his writing?8. How <strong>and</strong> how often do you measure/assess my child’s progress in spelling? How will you share that information with me?If you have questions <strong>about</strong> your child’s <strong>Writing</strong>, ask. . .1. What is my child’s writing level?2. How is her writing affected by her reading abilities?3. How often does my child write each day?4. What kinds of writing activities does she do?5. What specific classroom approaches are you using to help my child learn to write her own ideas more clearly?
6. <strong>Can</strong> you tell me what writing strategies you are teaching my child so that I can prompt her to use them when shewrites at home?7. How <strong>and</strong> how often do you measure/assess my child’s progress in writing? How will you share that information with me?If you have questions <strong>about</strong> <strong>Testing</strong>/Assessments, ask. . .1. How <strong>and</strong> how often do you measure/assess my child’s progress—in each subject area?2. Will my child be able to pass the required st<strong>and</strong>ardized test(s) in reading?3. What specific classroom activities prepare her for this test?4. If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan ask: What assessment/testingaccommodations are available for my child? (for example, extended time, writing in the test booklet, modifiedenvironment, instructions read aloud, one on one)5. If your child is not working on the same reading level as other students her age, ask: <strong>Can</strong> you tell me how you aremeasuring her progress in reading to make sure that she continues to improve <strong>and</strong> does not fall further behind?
Internet Website & Resources...Colorin Colorado:Reading Rockets:PBS Kids:Scholastic:LD Online:InternationalChildren’s DigitalLibrary:Education.comHelping Kids to Read ... <strong>and</strong> SucceedPara ayundar a los ninos a leer ... y a triunfarwww.colorincolorado.comReading resources to assist parents, teachers, <strong>and</strong> othereducators in helping struggling readers.www.readingrockets.orgEducational games (including spelling games), videos <strong>and</strong>activities for kids.pbskids.orgA site for students <strong>and</strong> their parents to improve specificreading skills that will help them in doing homework.scholastic.com/kids/homework/spellingInformation <strong>and</strong> resources to help children with learningdifferences.ldonline.comFree access to books from around the world. Look for booksaccording to age, type of book, book length, or character type.www.icdlbooks.orgProvide parents with educational activities, worksheets,videos, <strong>and</strong> information to help encourage learningwww.education.com“It’s such a wonderful feeling to watch a child discover thatreading is a marvelous adventure rather that a chore.”Zilpha Keatley Snyder, Authorwww.ecac-parentcenter.orgFor more information, please contact:ecac (exceptional children’s assistance center)907 Barra Row, Suites 102/103 | Davidson, NC 28036phone: 704-892-1321 | 1-800-962-6817 (parent info line)www.ncsip.orgFunding has been provided by The North Carolina State Improvement Project, Public Schools of North Carolina, Exceptional Children Division | November 2012
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