Tutor Uses Experience to Help Others

by Jeanne Marie Hibberd

Rebecca Ratliff knew something was wrong in the first grade but she hid it. She recalls, “I didn’t want to be treated differently than other kids.”

Now in her senior year at Knott Central High School, Rebecca knows that she is different and is determined to help other children avoid the anxiety she experienced.

After she was held back in the 5th grade, Rebecca’s parents enrolled her in Hindman Settlement School’s Summer Tutoring Program for children with dyslexic characteristics. She attended three summers and participated two years in the Settlement’s After-School Tutoring program. “It was very, very helpful. I am very glad to have a program like this in Knott County. It has made many who would have given up have confidence.”

Asked to describe what it’s like to have dyslexia, Rebecca says, “It’s like knowing you have to think of a specific thing, but in your mind a thousand things are going on. I know stuff but I don’t know how to verbally show it.”

Rebecca found that the techniques used at the James Still Learning Center helped her to learn. The structure, repetition and kinesthetic movement, have all helped her focus. Still, she says, she has to be very intentional.

“I see it, say it, spell it, write it, cover it up and write it again. It is a continuing process. I have to coach myself to focus.”

For the past three summers, Rebecca has served as a tutor for other children enrolled in the Summer Tutoring Program. “Me helping them, helps me,” she says of the work.

“Having dyslexia helps me relate to the students,” she explained. “Each child is different. For one, maybe a memory board works, for another, it may be writing in sand. And another might need a game to make sense of it.” Seeing the different ways kids learn has helped Rebecca adopt new techniques as well.

This past year she went to Louisville for testing and was officially diagnosed with dyslexia. The diagnosis, she says, will allow her to get extended time, taped notes, have the ACT Test read to her, and perhaps, get help with college scholarships.

Rebecca’s plan for the future includes getting her doctorate in child psychology with an emphasis on learning disabilities. Noting she had to go all the way to Louisville to be diagnosed, she remarked, “They say dyslexia is a rich man’s disease. I want all children to be able to get the kind of help I got. My plan is to come back and work here in Knott County.”

Rebecca recently spoke to a group of faculty from Berea College who were touring the region and visiting the Settlement School. Although she still isn’t comfortable reading in front of a group, she said, “If speaking about my experience can help others, that is a way I can give back.”