The British ability scales spelling subtest : a standardization on eight year old children

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to standardize the Diagnostic Spelling Scale (Trial Version) which is one of the BAS subtests, on a representative sample of 8 year old children attending Year 4 in state schools. Literacy and related skills are examined and evaluated followed by a detailed examination of the spelling process: including the skills needed and factors influencing it. A brief listing of the history of spelling research is given to give some insight into the development of types of tests used for spelling assessment today. The methodology of the Diagnostic Spelling Scale and how the test was administered are dealt together with a thorough examination and discussion of the results. These show that the test has to be modified to be applied more effectively to the local situation. A revised version of the standard test is administered to a subgroup of the larger sample. The results, obtained from the two administrations of the test, can serve as guidelines for Maltese teachers. These show to what extent Maltese and British norms differ in relation to the prescribed number of English words. Suggestions are put forward for further possible changes which can take place in the above mentioned test.