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History and Methodology
The Masons are the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world, with a rich
history in the U.S. that dates back to colonial times-George Washington was among the first
Masons in the then newly formed United States. A cornerstone of Scottish Rite Masonry is a
wholehearted commitment to volunteerism. Masons do their charitable work at a level where
real differences can be made in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
Following the philanthropic precedent of many other Masonic charities, notably the Shriners
Hospitals, the Children's Learning Centers Program represents a substantial charitable
commitment. This commitment totaled $8 million in 2005 and we anticipate that the program
will grow to even greater capacity in coming years.
In 1994, the Scottish Rite Masons joined forces with the world-renowned Massachusetts
General Hospital to launch a major endeavor to help ease the life-long burdens of dyslexia.
Until the Children's Learning Centers were launched in the 15 states of this organization's
Northern Jurisdiction, no other national charity had adopted this critical need as a major
concern. Although studies revealed the existence of remarkably effective programs for
treating dyslexia, no one was addressing the issue and its cost to individuals and society
in a systematic way.
The initial goal was to open 55 Learning Centers in 15 states. At that time, the Masons made
the following philanthropic pledges:
- To help children with dyslexia learn to read and to reach their full potential;
- To help their families end the frustration, guilt, and disruption caused by dyslexia;
- To help communities by building Learning Centers to help youngsters succeed in and out of
school; and
- To fully fund this endeavor.
The Children's Learning Centers, now in 15 states, provide tutoring at no charge to
children from kindergarten through high school who have been diagnosed as dyslexic. Children
are eligible regardless of economic status, race, religion, or Masonic affiliation. The
positive impact of early intervention on the lives of these children and their families is
enormous, and inspires our commitment to this program.
Additionally the Scottish Rite Masons Southern Jurisdiction runs 165 RiteCare clinics,
centers and special programs for children with speech, language, hearing, and learning disorders.
The curriculum used as the basis for tutoring and tutor training at all Children's Learning
Centers integrates principles of two of the leading Orton-Gillingham approaches. The
Orton-Gillingham approach, developed in the 1920's, uses a sequential, multisensory phonetic
approach. Thus, a variety of sensory data is used to help children understand the written
word.
School teachers receive training and continuing education
credits to become certified Children's Learning Center tutors. Children are tutored
one-on-one twice a week after regular school hours. This allows for the curriculum to
be tailored to each individual child as necessary, and progress is made in small, readily
quantifiable steps. Services provided by the Learning Centers equip children with the
skills and the confidence they need to approach learning with eagerness and without fear.
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