Spelling & Vocabulary with AAASpell

Here's a web tool I am starting to explore. It looks to be valuable for students, teachers, and parents with a focus on spelling and vocabulary. It's called AAASpell. AAASpell is free and is not account dependent. Students can use it as a self-directed study tool

I see great potential in this free, web based spelling/vocabulary app. The folks at AAASpell have created pre-made lists of nearly 30 lessons for grades 1-8 in both spelling and vocabulary. For those looking to support word study or phonemic spelling patterns, many of the lists are already organized with these strategies in mind. Each of the pre-made lists has both spelling and vocabulary study exercises associated with it. There is even audio pronunciation for most, if not all the words.

You don't need an account to use this AAASpell, however with an account there are some powerful tools for focused data collection. Teachers can create classes and student accounts. Assignments can even be given to a whole class or to individuals within a class.

I can see this used as a tool for differentiation with kids who may need additional support with spelling and or vocabulary understanding. Assigning different or leveled spelling/vocabulary lists easily for individualized instruction. It's definitely worth some exploration.

Enjoy.

The Profesional Learning Community & the Special Educator

Recently I read this article about closing the gap between research to practice, and the use of Learning Teams. The focus in this manuscript is on teacher learning teams as related to components of school improvement. It is asserted by the authors that these Learning Teams, in which teachers collaborate to improve instruction focused on what students are struggling to learn, can effectively work to meet the needs of all students.

I believe that the context of specific schools cannot be ignored, and thus I would like to open this question to special educators, special service providers, principals, general educators, parents, and all others interested. I am curious of the experience of others in this area of school improvement. 

So.....,

**Where do special educators fit into these teams? 

**Does a mixed model of consultation and direct service provision work?

What are your thoughts? 

References:
Gallimore, R., Ermeling, B.A., Saunders, W.M., Goldenberg, C. (2009). Moving the Learning of Teaching Closer to Practice: Teacher Education Implications of School-Based Inquiry Teams. The Elementary School Journal. 109(5).