OP Speech Pathologist Honored for Student Reading Improvements

Dana Yala, Orchard Place Elementary School speech language pathologist, was selected as a 2014 Champion of Literacy by Scientific Learning. This is the first year for this honor. Yala is one of 17 specially chosen educators from across the country for going above and beyond the call of duty for their students, colleague, and parents.

Yala was nominated by Jessie Newbury, who said:

"Since 2012, Dana has worked with hundreds of students with the Reading Assistant program. In September 2014, her kids were reading at the highest level of 2.2. By March of 2014, they were reading at the highest level of 3.1. This shows almost 1 year of gains in approximately 6 months. Dana has recommended the program to other schools within her district like Chippewa, who recently purchased and will be implementing the program for their 6, 7, and 8th graders, making her impact even larger. Dana is an advocate for literacy and her effort with the kids is easily noticed through their growth. On the ISAT, her kids improved 5 points overall in Reading from 2012 to 2013. I have no doubt that her commitment to the kids by coaching and increasing expectations is helping students on their journey through their growth in literacy. What adds to these impressive results is her population of students is 58% ELL. Ultimately, her daily effort will result in a population of adults who once had their odds against them. She is making a change in their life through literacy, providing them with the foundation for a successful college and career experience."

A certificate, crown, and flowers were presented by Dr. Ellen Teelucksingh, assistant superintendent for student services, and Julio Lopez, Orchard Place principal.