Statement of Needs

Approximately 15% of all children suffer from dyslexia, and 74% of the children who are poor readers in third grade remain poor readers in high school and beyond. The Scottish Rite hospitals and learning centers have developed a proven educational program that allows these children to successfully learn to read and frequently to remain on grade level. Without this diagnosis and training, many of the children, though very bright, are unable to pass their state exams.

Until recently, Central Texas did not have a teacher and parent education center dedicated to students with reading disabilities, particularly dyslexia. Although well intentioned, many school districts and other professionals fail to properly identify and/or provide the appropriate remediation for students with dyslexia.

To expand its services to Central Texas, the Center is planning to construct a new building as part of the “Children’s Village” at the former Robert Mueller Airport site at 51st Street and I-35. The state-of-the-art facility will allow the Center to provide enhanced tutoring programs and evaluations for children, as well as certified teacher-training programs for educators from all school districts. Plans include working with dyslexics of all ages, including adults. For educators who cannot travel to Austin, distance learning and Web-based courses will be offered. The new building is anticipated to cost $1.5 million. Fundraising is currently underway.