Parents are increasingly discovering a troubling trend: modern schools are failing to teach basic spelling skills. A shift in educational philosophy decades ago, coupled with the rise of autocorrect and AI tools, has left many children unprepared to write effectively without digital assistance. This isn’t just about grammar; poor spelling skills hinder reading comprehension and overall academic performance.
The Roots of the Problem: From Whole Language to Digital Reliance
For generations, explicit spelling instruction was a standard part of elementary education. However, starting in the late 1980s, schools adopted “whole language” methods, which downplayed formal spelling drills in favor of learning through reading. Though thoroughly debunked by research, this approach stuck, leaving many educators unprepared to teach spelling effectively.
Today’s classrooms often prioritize typing skills and digital tools—like Google Docs and Grammarly—over traditional spelling practice. While these technologies can be helpful, they create a crutch that prevents students from internalizing the rules of English spelling. Parents like Jodi Carreon noticed this firsthand when their children returned from school with laptops but no spelling tests or lists.
“Over the next couple of years, I started to understand…they aren’t explicitly teaching spelling in the way that I understood it to happen,” Carreon said.
Why Spelling Matters Beyond Grammar
The decline in spelling instruction isn’t merely a stylistic issue. Spelling and reading comprehension are deeply linked. The ability to decode words accurately strengthens literacy skills. Literacy experts warn that relying on spellcheck from an early age can mask underlying learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, which might otherwise be identified through spelling errors.
The abandonment of formal spelling instruction means educators stopped learning how to formally teach the subject.
The problem is compounded by the lack of standardized spelling assessments. Unlike reading or math, spelling isn’t consistently tested at the state or national level, making it difficult to track the extent of the crisis.
What Parents Can Do: Filling the Gaps
Parents are increasingly left to fend for themselves. Many schools lack comprehensive spelling curricula, forcing families to improvise. Experts recommend revisiting the fundamentals of English spelling, focusing on phonics, word roots, and common patterns. Resources like Uncovering the Logic of English can help parents understand how the language works.
Dr. J. Richard Gentry suggests systematic practice with weekly spelling words, connecting them to broader language skills: “Children need to systematically use the spelling words for the week, connecting them to broader skills, such as phonics, reading comprehension, writing, and building their vocabulary.”
For students with learning disabilities, the lack of spelling instruction is particularly damaging. Error-correcting tools can mask dyslexia, preventing early diagnosis and intervention. Parents should communicate directly with teachers and advocate for a logically sequenced spelling curriculum.
The Bigger Picture: A Systemic Issue
The spelling crisis isn’t the fault of teachers, who often lack the training and resources to teach the subject effectively. It’s a systemic problem stemming from flawed educational philosophies and a misplaced reliance on technology.
Parents must take proactive steps to ensure their children develop strong spelling skills, but ultimately, a nationwide shift toward science-based literacy is needed. Without it, future generations risk falling behind in a fundamental skill vital for academic and professional success.
