National Spelling Bee champions say it set them up for success: 'You attain a level of mastery' Story by BEN NUCKOLS • 6d. ... It tests way more than just spelling.

THE CLASSROOM — Ah, the spelling test, the classic grind of the grade school classroom. It probably didn't matter what kind of student you were, they likely brought some stress into your life.

My Expert Opinion: Let's start with the last point: Scrapping spelling tests obviously didn't work for this large group of fifth graders who are studying second-grade level words and patterns.