Description
Spelling is one of the most challenging areas for students with learning disabilities (LD), and improving spelling outcomes for these students is of high importance. In this synthesis, the authors examined the effects of spelling and reading interventions on spelling outcomes for students with LD in kindergarten through grade 12. A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature published between 2004 and 2014 was conducted by using electronic databases and hand searches of relevant journals. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to meet the following criteria: (a) Participants were identified with LD and were in kindergarten through grade 12, (b) designs were either treatment-comparison or single case, (c) a reading or spelling intervention was implemented, (d) at least one spelling outcome was measured, and (e) instruction was in English. Ten studies met criteria for inclusion in the synthesis, and effectiveness ranged from ineffective to highly effective. Findings demonstrated that spelling outcomes for taught words were improved for students with LD with the use of explicit instruction or self-correction strategies.
Citation
Williams, K. J., Walker, M. A., Vaughn, S., & Wanzek, J. (2016). A synthesis of reading and spelling interventions and their effects on spelling outcomes for students with learning disabilities. Journal of Learning Disabilities. Advance online publication. doi:10.1177/0022219415619753