Is there an age limit for test takers?
There are no age limits. Adults from every walk of life have difficulty with reading. Studies have shown that 20-30% of the world's population has a weakness in their processing abilities that are necessary for reading.
0 Comments Posted Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Who should take DORA?
Anyone reading student can take this assessment. If the user does not know letters and sounds, this assessment may be too difficult and may not report scores that would be helpful to you.
0 Comments Posted Wednesday, July 25, 2007
How old do you have to be to take DORA?
We recommend users be at least beginning readers. This could be kindergarten or 1st grade depending on your school's curriculum standards. This assessment will not be useful for students who do not yet know their letters and sounds.
0 Comments Posted Wednesday, July 25, 2007
How is DORA different from other reading assessments?
How is DORA different from other reading assessments? A: DORA gives a very detailed account of how the learner is achieving in all areas of reading. Many reading assessments report results as a single reading grade- equivalent level. Knowing that a reader is at a certain grade level is helpful, but more detailed information is better for and more effective in driving effective instruction.
0 Comments Posted Wednesday, July 25, 2007
What are the sub-skills that DORA measures?
DORA tests six individual reading sub-skills. There are many different ways to think about reading instruction, however there is a general industry consensus that each reader must have the ability to 1) sound out words 2) memorize words and 3) understand words and phrases well enough to make contextual guesses about unfamiliar words when necessary and to make sense of the text.
0 Comments Posted Wednesday, July 25, 2007
What is the reading instruction option (Unique Reader)?
The reading instruction option, Unique Reader, is an additional feature that can be added to a DORA account. It can be purchased together with the assessment or added on later. It links reading instruction (levels preK-5) with our reading assessment.
0 Comments Posted Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Is there a good phonics program for a four year old?
Dear Let's Go Learn, I am looking for a phonics program to teach to my 4 year old son. I have found a list of phonics programs recommended by the National Right to Read Foundation (http://www.nrrf.org/testimonials.html), but I am curious if there are any other organizations the can provide independent evaluations of the various phonics programs available on the market. Most phonics programs do not have such evaluations available. Rather, they simply list testimonials from satisfied customers, which is less convincing. Thank you for any suggestions you might have on resources for selecting the best phonics program.
0 Comments Posted Wednesday, July 25, 2007
How young is too young for teaching a child to read?
Let's Go Learn, I have heard about a reading program that would teach a three year old how to read within three weeks. While I am unfamiliar with the program (and can't recall the name), is it really a goal to have a three year old read? I had always felt children should read when they were ready to learn. What is your opinion? While my two year old has a passion for books (he even sleeps with them at night!) he seems to be more then just a year from reading! And that commercial makes me think I need to change my strategy on his reading goals. Thanks.
1 Comments Posted Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Can you suggest a homeschool phonics program?
Dear Let's Go Learn, I am home schooling my 2 daughters (aged 4 and 51/2). i am looking for a good reading program. What can you suggest? Thank you for your help.
1 Comments Posted Wednesday, July 25, 2007
What happens if my four year old isn’t interested in books?
My child is 4 years old and doesn't seem very interested in books. Does that mean he won't be a good reader? Should I have him assessed?
0 Comments Posted Wednesday, July 25, 2007
When should you have your child tested?
I have a friend that has a two-year-old son who seems to be exhibiting signs of autism. She has taken him to a pediatric neurologist. That doctor thinks he has speech apraxia. The child has just started speech and developmental therapy through First Steps. The neurologist wants to see him back in three months. The mother is very concerned. Should she wait the three months or get further testing?
0 Comments Posted Wednesday, July 25, 2007
If my child scores poorly on a reading assessment does that mean my child is dyslexic?
No. The term "dyslexia" has become a catch-all term for any kind of reading trouble. If you look at the National Institutes of Health manual of all diagnosable diseases, dyslexia is described as a significant gap between your potential and your performance in reading.
0 Comments Posted Wednesday, July 25, 2007