France moves to tighten spelling requirements for diploma exams

The French government is considering strengthening the weight of orthography in the national brevet and baccalauréat exams. Elisabeth Elkrief, director of the Fondation AlphaOmega, warns that increasing spelling demands could exacerbate social inequalities, as poorer students often have less access to reading and writing support. She notes a long‑term decline in spelling proficiency linked to mass education, the complexity of French spelling and growing screen time, which reduces reading practice. Historical data show that dictation tasks have been shortened and penalties softened since the 1970s, reflecting past attempts to avoid penalising students. The foundation proposes five practical measures – daily reading and writing, short regular dictations, personal error notebooks, systematic proofreading, and adaptive training platforms – and highlights the role of nonprofit associations in promoting reading among children.