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Peabody TeachFor teachers and grown-ups

Spelling test rubric: grades K–2, 3–5 and 6–8

This spelling rubric scores spelling on a weekly test or in everyday writing: the pattern of the week, high-frequency words, using patterns in new words, and checking your own work. Grades 3–5 and 6–8 use four levels with points, with applying patterns counting twice; K–2 uses three levels in plain words. It looks for growth, not perfection. Print it, copy it into Google Docs, or open it in the rubric maker.

Written for Peabody Teach. Checked . Free to print, copy and change.

Grades K–2

3 levels, 4 criteria, no points (a switch in the maker adds them).

Spelling test rubric (Grades K–2)Name ____________________ Date ________
CriteriaWow!YesNot yet
Sounds I hearI write a letter or letters for every sound in the word.I write letters for the first and last sounds.I write the first sound only, or I am still learning.
Word wall wordsI spell my word wall words right in my writing too.I spell most of my word wall words right.I am still learning my word wall words.
Our patternI use our pattern in new words I have not practiced.I use our pattern in our practice words.I am still learning our pattern.
Check my wordsI check my words and fix two or more by myself.I check my words and fix one with help.I do not check my words yet.
Open in the maker
  • I can write a letter for every sound I hear.
  • I can spell my word wall words.
  • I can use our spelling pattern.
  • I can check my words and fix one.

Grades 3–5

4 levels, 4 criteria, 20 points in all.

Spelling test rubric (Grades 3–5)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 20
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
Pattern of the weekSpells all pattern words correctly, including the tricky ones, on the test and in writing.Spells most pattern words correctly on the test.Spells some pattern words correctly; the pattern is still shaky.Spells few pattern words correctly yet./ 4
High-frequency wordsSpells high-frequency words correctly in all writing, not only on tests.Spells most high-frequency words correctly in writing.Misspells some common words in writing.Misspells many common words in writing./ 4
Applying patternscounts ×2Uses the pattern to spell new, unpracticed words correctly and can explain the rule.Uses the pattern to spell most new words correctly.Uses the pattern in some new words, or uses it where it does not fit.Does not yet use the pattern in new words./ 8
Self-checkingRereads, circles words that look wrong, and fixes most with a word list or dictionary.Rereads and fixes some mistakes.Fixes a mistake only when it is pointed out.Does not yet check spelling./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can spell words with this week's pattern.
  • I can spell common words correctly every time I write.
  • I can use spelling patterns to spell new words.
  • I can find and fix my own spelling mistakes.

Grades 6–8

4 levels, 4 criteria, 20 points in all.

Spelling test rubric (Grades 6–8)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 20
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
Patterns and word partsSpells pattern words correctly, including tricky suffix changes like doubling or dropping e.Spells most pattern and affix words correctly.Spells some correctly; suffix rules are still confused.Spells few pattern words correctly yet./ 4
Common and content wordsSpells common words and subject vocabulary correctly in all writing, including commonly confused words.Spells common words and most subject words correctly.Misspells some subject words or confuses homophones.Misspells many common or subject words./ 4
Applying patternscounts ×2Spells unfamiliar words using roots, affixes and patterns, and can explain how meaning guides spelling.Uses roots and patterns to spell most unfamiliar words.Tries patterns on new words with mixed success.Spells new words by sound only./ 8
ProofreadingProofreads on purpose, uses a dictionary or spell check wisely, and catches errors a spell check misses.Proofreads and corrects most errors.Relies on a spell check alone and misses some errors.Does not yet proofread for spelling./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can spell words using patterns, prefixes, suffixes and roots.
  • I can spell common words and subject words correctly in my writing.
  • I can use roots, affixes and patterns to spell unfamiliar words.
  • I can proofread and use tools to correct my spelling.

When to use it

  • A weekly spelling test, a dictation sentence, or a check of spelling in a writing piece.
  • Add a few new words that use the pattern, so the score shows whether the pattern transfers.
  • Keep scores private and talk about patterns, never about the child. Adapt for students with dyslexia or other learning plans.

What to say to students

  • Mistakes in spelling show me what to teach next. They are not a bad thing.
  • Listen for the pattern we practiced. Will it help you with a word you have never seen?
  • When you finish, go back and circle any word that does not look right.
  • Words on the word wall are words you can check on your own.

Related

The criteria are generic and written for this site, with no standards codes, so they fit any curriculum. Open one in the maker to change a word, add a row or switch to a single-point rubric; what you change stays in your browser.