If you're one of those who think education theorists are too quick to abandon certain proven teaching methods (such as memorizing multiplication facts), take a look at the two stories that appeared side by side on Monday's front page.

Under "Spokane Schools are adopting writing-based spelling curriculum":

Under new curriculum adopted by Spokane Public Schools this year for grades two through six, students are no longer asked to memorize lists of words."

And under "Library fundraiser tests city's best adult spellers":

An undergraduate degree from Stanford University, a master's from Harvard and a doctorate from UCLA could have given Michael Bowen an edge. But if you ask Bowen how he walked away with the trophy in the first "Spokane is Spelling" competition, he'll tell you he studied his words.

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