Episode Details

Dr. Brennan Chandler, assistant professor at Georgia State University and researcher specializing in spelling, reading intervention, and literacy development — particularly for students with persistent reading difficulties unpacks what the research sayings about spelling instruction.

He shares insights from his large-scale meta-analysis examining decades of spelling intervention research and explains why spelling has the capacity to be far more than a writing skill; it can be a lexical lever that strengthens both reading and writing.

Key Takeaways:

• Why spelling is essential for building strong word representations
• Common misconceptions (including the infamous “Friday spelling test”)
• What current research says actually works in spelling instruction
• The impact of technology (spellcheck, AI, predictive text) on literacy development
• Practical ways teachers can embed effective spelling instruction into their day

Dr. Chandler also shares actionable guidance for educators, including how just 10–15 minutes of intentional spelling instruction daily can make a meaningful difference.

Resources:

• A Meta-Analytic Review of Spelling Interventions for Students With or At-Risk for Learning Disabilities - Chandler, B. W., Toste J. R., Novelli, C., Rodgers, D., Hardeman, E. (2025)
• Article: ​​Why your kid can't rely on tech tools to spell
• Spelling Mastery (Direct Instruction program)

Connect with Brennan Chandler, PhD:

• Website: brennanchandler.com
• IG: @BrennanChandlerPhD
• LinkedIn: Brennan Chandler, PhD

Thank you to Reading.com for supporting the production of this episode.

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