I recommend teachers test the students at the beginning of a Program using the South Australian Spelling Test. To assess progress, repeat the test at the end of the Program (after 9 to 12 months).
Download the South Australian Spelling Test and the Answer Template here:
The result of SA Spelling Test will be an estimate of the spelling age which can help determine the Program at which the student should start – see the Table below.
Additionally, you can test the students on the “Must Know” words from Program 1, 2 or 3 (Link here). Start them on Program 1, or the lowest level, or where they make more than 10% errors in the "Must Know" words in a Program. e.g. 5 errors or more in 50 words in Level 2.
If you are uncertain where to start, always choose the lower level, as the student will progress quickly and learn skills and concepts they may have missed or not understood.
You can also photocopy a Unit from the print version of each Program. Get them to complete the exercises to determine which Program is suitable for them to start.
| Program |
SA Spelling Test |
Spelling Age |
|---|---|---|
Score |
Years Months |
|
< 13 (will struggle) |
< 6 yrs 1 mnth |
|
13 to 23 |
6 01 to 6 11 |
|
Program 1 |
24 to 29 |
7 00 to 7 11 |
Program 2 |
30 to 33 |
8 00 to 8 11 |
Program 3 |
34 to 37 |
9 00 to 9 11 |
Program 4 |
38 to 41 |
10 00 to 10 11 |
Program 5 |
41 to 44 |
11 00 to 11 11 |