This resource is a compilation of three documents that support the teaching of spelling in today's schools: a discussion of "Why Spelling Instruction Matters", a checklist for evaluating a spelling program, and tables of Common Core State Standards that are linked to spelling instruction. "Why Spelling Instruction Matters"…

Asserts that writing conferences are the heart of teaching writing. Describes use of picture books and writer's circles to improve student reading and writing skills. Reports that students became more confident in analyzing writing genres and more able to write complex narratives. (CFR)

Noting that reading and writing should be interactive in the same way that listening and learning to speak are interactive, this report describes several teaching methods designed to integrate the teaching of reading and writing on elementary and secondary levels. The first section examines the use of dialogue journals in a third and fourth grade…