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Do
you know any school that has undertaken and published research into
the effects/benefits that THRASS had had on their literacy
standards? |
Yes, the Times Educational Supplement published a
letter a few weeks ago, on the 14 January 2005, which is now viewable on the TES
website:
http://www.tes.co.uk/search/story/?story_id=2063470
THRASSING OUT SPELLING LOGIC Published: 14 January 2005 In the article on
illogical spelling (TES, December 17), Masha Bell says that "spelling is
unpredictable and illogical" and also that "it is inappropriate to look to other
countries for guidance on the teaching of reading in the UK". Last year we
became the first school in Africa to implement the British phonics programme
Thrass (teaching handwriting reading and spelling skills).
Might I suggest that Ms Bell comes to see how Thrass has been implemented in our
school, because we have evidence, using British standardised tests, of a ratio
gain for reading of 2.5 (up from 1.5) and a ratio gain for spelling of 1.5 (up
from 1.0). These results are impressive, as English is not the first or only
language of many of our pupils. It is surprising that Ms Bell does not seem to
be aware of the programme, which uses 120 "keygraphemes" to teach the logic
between the sounds and spelling choices of English.
Rob Altschul Headteacher Broadhurst primary Private Bag BR114, Gaborone,
Botswana
There is also a sheet, THRASS RESEARCH RESULTS 2003, which is downloadable from
DOWNLOADS, which lists a number of studies, ranging from secondary
school dyslexics making average ratio gains of between 4 and 6 (30 months
improvement in spelling in 5 months) and a DfES study that concluded that there
is evidence to suggest that using THRASS will "at least double the normal rate
of progress".
Ask Alan |
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