"The Let's Go Learn DORA has been a wonderful tool for me to evaluate my 5th grade student's strengths and weaknesses so I can customize my reading curriculum to meet their individual needs. It has been a real time-saver and the kids enjoy the interactive environment. They don't feel like they are taking a test at all." Gina Brogan, 5th grade teacher and owner of Yes You Can Tutoring Yes You Can Tutoring Berkeley, California
Bio: Gina Brogan is both a teacher and owner of Yes You Can !! Educational Enhancement
LGL: Gina, why do parents bring their children to your tutoring services?
Gina: For a variety of reasons. Many students need help completing their homework in all subjects, or they need help developing basic skills such as reading or math.
LGL: How long has Yes You Can Tutoring been operating and what areas do you service?
Gina: Yes You Can!! has been in business since 1994. It started in Sebastopol, CA as a downtown center where students came to work with tutors. When I moved to Berkeley in 1998, I changed the format to an in-home service. Tutors are matched up with students and meet them at the student's homes once, twice or even three times per week.
LGL: How do you use the DORA?
Gina: when I receive a call from a parent who suggests that their student needs help in reading, I immediately want to find out what areas of weakness the student has. I will have them work with a tutor on the DORA. Once the student's strengths and weaknesses have been identified, the tutor can develop a program to build the student's reading skills.
LGL: Why did you choose the DORA?
Gina: I found it to be the most convenient, easy to use, and accurate assessment available. I love the fact that it is web-based and can be used anywhere, anytime. The students really also seem to enjoy it. It is important to remove any chance of the kids experiencing test-anxiety, as that affects the outcome. With the DORA, the kids don't see it as a test.
LGL: Do your students' parents see the reports?
Gina: All of the reports are immediately available online and they are easy to interpret for parents.
LGL: How do your students like taking the Assessment?
Gina: The students enjoy the assessment, as it is very much like a game. The brightly colored pictures are very appealing to all ages.
