Students with Learning Disabilities

Written Communication: Handwriting, Spelling, and Written

Expression

Handwriting Problems

• Instruction in handwriting improves written expression skills

• There are many handwriting problems including slowness, too much or too little slant, and mirror handwriting

Assessment of Handwriting Skills

• Few standardized tests to measure handwriting

• Informal Assessment Techniques– Close visual examination of student’s

handwriting noting problem areas or error patterns

Teaching Handwriting Skills

• Readiness Skills

• Manuscript Writing

• Transitional Writing

• Cursive Writing

Development of Spelling Skills

• Precommunicative spelling

• Semiphonetic Spelling

• Phonetic Spelling

• Transitional Spelling

• Correct Spelling

Assessment of Spelling Skills

• Standardized and Criterion-Referenced Tests

• Informal Assessment Techniques– Dictated spelling test– Informal spelling inventory– Curriculum-based measurement– Spelling error analysis– Cloze procedure– Probes

Teaching Spelling Skills

• Rule-Based Instruction

• Multisensory Approach

• Test-Study-Test Technique– Study strategies

• Fixed and Flow Word Lists

• Additional Considerations

Written Expression Skills

• One of highest forms of communication

• Typically not acquired until person has extensive experience with reading, spelling, and verbal expression

• Problems may not be diagnosed until upper elementary years

Assessment of Written Expression Skills

• Standardized and Criterion-Referenced Tests

• Informal Assessment Techniques– Fluency– Syntax– Vocabulary– Structure– Content– Profile of Component

Assessment of Written Expression Skills continued

– Curriculum-based measurement– Portfolio assessment

Teaching Written Expression Skills

• Creative and functional writing• Shift from product of writing to the

process involved in creating that product

• Three basic steps:– Planning, writing, and revising

• Teacher should promote a positive attitude to motivate student to write

Written Expression Strategies

• PENS

• PLEASE

• COPS

• TOWER

• HOW