Product FAQs

When you have purchased a Sourcebook and are ready to begin instruction, you may find these answers to common questions helpful.

1. How is this program different from the usual spelling program?

2. What materials do I need to implement the program?

3. How can I learn more about Sitton Spelling and Word Skills™?

4. Can I talk to other educators who are using Sitton Spelling and Word Skills™?

1. How is this program different from the usual spelling program?
The chart below points out the many differences between Sitton Spelling and Word Skills™ and the usual “Friday test” program.

Sitton Spelling and Word Skills™	vs.	The usual spelling program
Students’ active learning of spelling skills & concepts for long term learning and application to many more words		A list of words given on Monday and studied for short-term memorization to obtain a Friday test grade
Formative assessment to guide instruction and identify words students have not yet mastered Automatic follow-up testing to assess mastery		A Friday test grade with no follow-up instruction or assessment for words missed
Accountability of spelling skills through proofreading everyday writing, with a “no excuses” outlook for misspelling assigned words		Proofreading exercises related to the spelling list
A set core curriculum with opportunities to adapt instruction through teacher choice and optional extension activities		Fixed instructional strategies
Opportunities for differentiation: • Multiple, varied activities for each concept • Flexible instructional formats • Recycling of skills and concepts • Individualized spelling lists with minimal teacher effort		Opportunities for differentiation: • More words or longer words for students who need additional challenge • Shortened word list for struggling spellers

2. What materials do I need to implement the program?
The Sourcebook and Practice Books are the integral parts of Sitton Spelling and Word Skills™. The Sourcebook contains all that you need for spelling and word skill instruction, including blackline masters. The Practice Books contain activities that extend practice, provide proofreading and word exploration, and correlate to selected Sourcebook unit activities. In addition, there are opportunities for professional development, and several addition materials that will enhance your instruction. You can view information on product at www.epsbooks.com/sittonspelling, and on professional development at www.epsbooks.com/pd.

3. How can I learn more about Sitton Spelling and Word Skills™?
There are several options available to learn more about the Sitton Spelling and Word Skills™ methodology.

• Get more information
  Visit www.epsbooks.com/sittonspelling/ to request an Overview Packet, to download sample pages or a Sample Unit (with abbreviated Sourcebook teaching notes.)
  Professional Development
  • Open Enrollment Seminars
  • On-Site Seminar for your school or district
  Visit www.epsbooks.com/pd to learn more about these Professional Development opportunities.
• Your Local Sales Representative
  Visit www.epsbooks.com/reps to locate and contact your sales representative
• Tutor Me Training® CD-ROM
  Learn to use the Sitton Spelling program either on your own or in a small group. Each grade-level module includes an Overview DVD of the series and grade-specific training on CD-ROM to equip you to begin the program tomorrow. Invite parents to discover how their child will be learning to spell with the Parent Introduction module (sold separately).
• E-mail any questions to our Sitton Specialist at sittonspelling@epsbooks.com.

4. Can I talk to other educators who are using Sitton Spelling and Word Skills™?
You can speak to someone from our Network of Educators, a list of teachers and administrators currently using Sitton Spelling and Word Skills™ available via phone or email to give an educator’s perspective. Visit www.epsbooks.com/network to view the current list of educators and their contact information.