Frequently Asked Questions

What is dyslexia?
Children with dyslexic characteristics tend to be of average to above-average intelligence and are emotionally stable but despite typical school instruction, are not able to read, write or spell to their capabilities.

Current brain research indicates that these children experience difficulties because the auditory and visual processing areas of the brain do not function the same as in children without a learning difference. This causes an individual to perceive sounds, letters, visual images and other stimuli differently.

Some of the characteristics of dyslexia are:

• Average and frequently above-average intellectual ability and creative intelligence
• Problems with reading, writing and spelling
• Frequent reversal of numbers, letters or words (b for d, 18 for 81)
• Difficulty understanding what is read
• Poor handwriting
• Confusion with directions (e.g., left and right, up and down)
• Variable performance (good at something one day, poor at the same task the next)
• Short attention span and poor concentration
• Slowness in finishing work
• Poor organizational skills (cannot find homework; loses jacket, notebooks, etc.)

What teaching methods are used?
Hindman Settlement School uses a multisensory, structured linguistic approach to language arts education. Teaching phonemic awareness (breaking apart and manipulating sounds in a word) is an integral part of the methodology. An explicit, systematic, multisensory teaching approach is also used to teach mathematics.

Pre- and post-tests are given to measure progress. No child "fails," but rather s/he stays within a level until s/he reaches proficiency. Current research in reading instruction supports the strategies used at the Settlement School. 

How does Hindman Settlement School's program help?
The Settlement School's program is helpful because it offers one-on-one reading instruction using an explicit phonics approach. The program is also effective because of the level of parent involvement. Parents and/or guardians of children enrolled in the After-School Program are trained in dyslexia tutoring techniques through weekend workshops and during regular weekly staff meetings. Parents never tutor their own child. Parent involvement creates cost-effective remediation as well as increasing the parent's level of understanding of the academic and social struggles of their child.

How does a child become eligible for the program?
In order to be eligible for any dyslexia program offered by the Settlement School, the child must undergo an evaluation to determine if the program will be of benefit. Evaluations are conducted monthly. To schedule an evaluation, call 606.785.4044.

Who administers the program?
Hindman Settlement School administers the Summer Tutoring Program. The Reading Lab Partnership is administered under a cooperative agreement between Hindman Settlement School, Knott County School District and the Kentucky Valley Educational Cooperative (KVEC). The Settlement School trains parent volunteers to provide the leadership and financial support necessary to run an After-School Program in their home county. 

What do these programs cost?
So far, Hindman Settlement School has never turned away a qualified child for financial reasons. Parents should not let cost deter them from having their child evaluated. The evaluation fee is $75. There are no fees for the Knott County reading labs and After-School Program. The Summer Tutoring Program charges tuition on a sliding scale, depending on parental income. Tuition is as follows (five weeks):

• $4,200 boarding student (per summer)
• $2,100 commuting student (per summer)

Scholarships are available to cover all or a portion of the cost for financially qualified students.