New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What technique is described for determining the mastery of spelling strategies?

1. Testing spelling only at the end of the year

2. Continuous observational evaluation over time

3. Tallying incorrect pronunciations

4. Conducting weekly spelling tests

The correct answer is: Continuous observational evaluation over time

The technique described for determining the mastery of spelling strategies through continuous observational evaluation over time is effective because it allows educators to assess students' spelling abilities in a more holistic and ongoing manner. This approach provides insights into how students apply their spelling knowledge during various contexts, such as writing and reading activities, rather than relying solely on isolated test performances. By observing students regularly, teachers can identify patterns in spelling mistakes and understand each student's progress, helping them tailor instruction to meet individual needs. Other methods, such as conducting weekly spelling tests or only assessing spelling at the end of the year, may provide limited information. Weekly tests can measure short-term recall but may not truly reflect a student's mastery of spelling strategies over time. An end-of-year assessment would also lack the benefit of timely feedback and intervention throughout the school year. Tallying incorrect pronunciations does not directly evaluate spelling mastery and instead focuses on phonetic understanding, which, while important, does not encompass the full range of spelling strategies a student should develop. Continuous observational evaluation, however, emphasizes the importance of ongoing assessment and adaptation in response to individual student learning trajectories.