Suffix Spelling Growth in Middle School Spanish-English Bilinguals

• In Event: Poster Session 6
  In Poster Session: Bilingualism/English as a Second Language

Abstract

Derivational morphological awareness is critical for vocabulary and reading development, especially in middle school and beyond. One way to understand students’ level is through spelling. This paper examines derivational morphological awareness growth in middle school Spanish-English bilinguals through spelling with a focus on suffixes. Preliminary results using a t-test show statistically significant differences in suffix spelling between time 1 and time 2. One hundred students will be administered a spelling assessment 3-4 times over a 13-month period. Using an individual growth-modeling framework, the researchers will examine the suffix development of the students.

Authors

• Jennifer D. Green, Western Washington University

• Elizabeth R. Howard, University of Connecticut