Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.
English teacher Amy Powell uses this ancient proverb to explain why the instantaneous results of electronic spell check have handicapped an entire generation of spellers.
“(With Microsoft Word,) something is being corrected instantly or not giving students the opportunity to research and then synthesize that information,” Powell said. “When I tell students to consult a dictionary, they whine about it.”
While over 50 percent of Americans now earn low scores on spelling proficiency tests, according to Time Magazine, some notice the trend particularly in young people, due in part to today’s technologically savvy society.  
“I think it’s just the influence of technology and laziness,” Powell said. “I think the text messaging symbols have contributed too; I see (them) even in formal writing.”
While Powell sees potential harm in spelling inaccurately on essays, projects and AP and end-of-course exams, the trend can also affect student success outside the school setting and in the workforce.
“The neatness and accuracy of what is on an application most definitely creates an impression,” said Jennie Rook, Career Development and Special Populations Coordinator.
Rook said that rather than ignorance, simple spelling and grammar errors on applications and résumés show potential employers which applicants are serious about the job.
“It implies carelessness, and if you are careless with an application, how serious are you going to be about your job? It’s like you don’t care,” she said. “The laziness comes in when people don’t bother to fill it out.”
Sophomore Dayna Denton said spelling mistakes could be a red flag to employers.
“If you get a job where you have to write stuff, you could spell stuff wrong,” Denton said. “Employers look at how you spell as evidence of how good a worker you’ll be.”  
Spelling can also affect the way students are judged on scholarship applications and essays.
“An individual’s ability to take time on specific details indicates their level of achievement,” said Neil C. Songer, a local businessman who serves on the board for the Mount Olivet United Methodist Church scholarship committee. “For example, the résumé and interview may be the last finishing section to a successful high school career. An error-free résumé and a well prepared interview skill set can make a huge impact.”
Songer said that spelling errors do not necessarily indicate ignorance, but the importance a student placed on the application.
“Applications can result in thousands of scholarship dollars,” he said. “(Correct spelling) indicates that an individual understands an audience many times cannot see your gift or work due to poor writing skills.”
Some students said  they have been well prepared to be proficient spellers.
“I do (believe I was prepared) because I don’t spell things wrong,” senior Trey Fenner said. “I think some people misspell words because they don’t care.”
Powell said that efforts to improve spelling accuracy should not just be made in elementary school.
“Every teacher, no matter what subject or grade level, should be ensuring that students read material related to that curriculum, because the more you read the better writer and speller you become,” she said.
Junior Andrew Radtke said there can be many different underlying factors that contribute to a person’s inability to spell efficiently.
“A person who can’t spell simple words probably was not given the (same) opportunities,” Radtke said. “For some people it probably is carelessness, but for other people it could be a learning disability and just not having the time and resources to do it.”
Songer said that in addition to the manner in which student presents themselves on paper, there are other important factors considered during the scholarship process, and ways for students to make sure they are seen in the best light.
He said, “A student must do their absolute best in all subject areas, (and) reach out to their teachers, school administrators, and individuals in the community. Successful students will arrange meetings to discuss their future aspirations (and) must always remember that time is valuable.”