Adapting the Spelling Performance Evaluation For Language and Literacy (SPELL) For Children Who Have Cochlear Implants

The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of adapting the Spelling Performance Evaluation for Language and Literacy (SPELL) (Masterson, Apel, & Wasowicz, 2002) for children who have cochlear implants. Ninety-two stimuli words and sentences from SPELL were adapted into Signed English and video-recorded. The stimuli were administered to two school-aged females with cochlear implants; half of the stimuli were administered live and half were administered on video. Spelling errors were analyzed in segments and words. The Letter-Word Identification subtest from the Woodcock Diagnostic Reading Battery (WDRB) (Woodcock, 1997) was also administered. The minimal discrepancies between spelling errors in each modality suggests that an accurate measure of spelling can be achieved via video testing