WEST MILFORD What’s the best way to teach a child something? The answer is as varied as personalities are. From rote learning, to phonics to whole language, there are a host of theories and programs. Since the best program for one student can be the worst for another, choosing teaching theories and programs best suited to the broadest number of students is a minefield all public schools have to maneuver. West Milford is using something on the elementary level that has some parents angry and frustrated. It is based on Rebecca Sitton’s No Excuses Spelling program. According to Superintendent Glenn Kamp, the program was first introduced 10 or 11 years ago and portions of it have been used in the district ever since. But this year they have implemented an assessment method that’s raising questions. Here’s the deal. There are a number of spelling words (commonly called the “word bank” among the students and parents) that are posted around the classroom and laminated to the desks. Students are expected to spell all the words from the word bank correctly 100 percent of the time. One misspelling causes the spelling grade to go from an A to a D. Two incorrectly spelled words, and the child gets a D. So, if a students takes a science test, for example, and the test is also earmarked for spelling assessment, he or she will receive 2 grades one for the science facts, one for spelling. One wrong word on an otherwise perfect paper would result in a A/D grade. (The D would only be reflected in the student’s spelling grade, not his science grade.) Kamp explains the concept this way, “It’s designed to teach the students to be everyday spellers, not just Friday spellers,” referring to the spelling method where kids study new words each week and are tested on Fridays. He said that since the words are posted around the room and even on the desks, it is a matter of copying them correctly. Ingrid Green, who is a school psychologist as well as the mother of a Upper Greenwood Lake third grader, takes exception to the assessment method. She says the policy has teachers evaluating students on too little they are only being acknowledged for what they are doing wrong and not what they are doing right. “To get a D for making one mistake ...children shouldn’t be punished that way. It’s negative psyche education.” She says her own daughter who is a good student, has brought home several poor grades and has been very upset about it. “Even the name No Excuses children can’t be perfect all the time.” In addition, she cites the fact that students are allowed “creative spelling” in first grade to encourage their writing, and yet by third grade they are being judged harshly for minor mistakes. Theresa Ruth, a 24-year veteran teacher in another district, is “shocked this policy is still in place.” She currently tutors a third grader whom she said is being negatively impacted. “West Milford has a lot of parents who care and want to support the teachers ...but in this case the punishment doesn’t fit the crime. I’m glad I’m not assessed in this manner.” She ascribes to the theory that children want to please and that praise will usually make them work harder, while failing them affects their self esteem and desire to try. Kamp responded to these and other parents’ complaints in an interview Tuesday in which he said “We are not asking them to do something they’re not capable of doing.” He said that in the end, it was all about expectations and that the students will rise to the expectation. In addition, he said getting a D can produce good by-products, such as teaching a child to pay attention to detail. Kamp said he and others will be looking at the first marking period grades and they will make an announcement at the December board of education meeting as to whether they will continue with the spelling policy.