SPELLING

Last Updated:  8/24/02

The Spelling Contest is offered in three divisions for elementary and middle schools: grades 2-4, 5-6, and 7-8. Each grade level is judged separately, unless fewer than three students from a grade level are competing. Grade levels may then be combined in order that the minimum of four students are competing. The top two ranking students in a district contest advance to the State Meet.

In each division, students are expected to spell words correctly while, at the same time, writing the words legibly. Students in all grades may use either a printing or cursive style of writing.

80 percent of the words given in the contest will come from the PSIA Spelling List.  A different list is produced each year.  Be certain you have the current year PSIA or UIL list. The "Official Notices" section of the PSIA Torch Newsletter will include any necessary corrections to the spelling list.  The authority for all words is the Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition.

For the PSIA tests, 20 percent of the words will come from outside sources. This is done to prevent the contest from becoming one of simple memorization.  A SPELLING LIST with Spelling Tips for all grade levels is available for $2.00 on the PSIA Study Materials Order Form.

The number of words on each test are as follows:

Grades 7-8:   80 words on test / 20 words on the tie breaker
Grades 5-6:   60 words on test / 15 words on the tie breaker
Grades 2-4:   40 words on test / 10 words on the tie breaker

All students take the test and the tie breaker. After the tests have been scored, if two or more students tie, only the tied student tie breaker portions are scored.  If the tie breaker scores are the same, then a tie exists and duplicate awards should be given.
For the most educational value, preparation for this contest should include instruction in rules of the English language, meanings and definitions, and root words. Students attending invitational meets should be given prior notice that the number of words given on the test may vary from the number given in a PSIA district or state contest.

OPTIONAL COMPANION MATERIALS

Several companies have developed companion materials for the elementary and junior high Spelling Contest. These materials are optional. Hexco, Incorporated has developed interactive software for the Macintosh, IBM PC/Compatible and Apple II/e/c/gs. Disks are available which include not only the spelling of a word, but its pronunciation, part of speech, definition, and use in a sentence. A spelling supplement booklet is also now available as well as audio cassette tapes. For ordering forms, contact the company.

ASW Enterprises offers audio practice tests with printed copies included, computer generated practice tests, and tests for invitational meets. Other material may be available from other sources.
COMPUTER SOFTWARE / AUDIO TAPES
Hexco, Incorporated
P.O. Box 199
Hunt, Texas 78024
210/238-4404
FAX: 210/238-4964
1-800-PAJAMAS
DICTIONARY 35 percent off
Texas Educational Paperbacks
4433 Mint Way
Dallas, Texas 75236
1-800-443-2078
FAX: 800-437-7070
AUDIO TAPES / COMPUTER SOFTWARE / PRACTICE TESTS
ASW Enterprises
BOX 737
Abilene, Texas 79604-0737
1-800-627-9030 
Toll-free fax: 1-888-627-7209

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Staff Support
Patricia Walters, Ed.D., Executive Director
Phone: (817) 416-9504  OR Toll-free:  888-972-7742
Fax: (817) 416-9576
E-mail: psia@flash.net