Our Masonic Philanthropy
The Dyslexia Training Program

The Freemasons of Louisiana are proud to introduce you to our primary philanthropy.

In 1998, we adopted the Dyslexia Training Program, which is a Grand Lodge Program conducted on a cooperative basis with the local Constituent Lodges. The Grand Lodge agency with primary responsibility for the program is the Masonic Learning Center of Louisiana and its board of trustees.

Approximately 10% of our children are affected by dyslexia to such an extent as to require attention beyond that which is afforded in a normal classroom situation.

For purposes of the Dyslexia Training Program, the Board defines “dyslexia” as a learning disorder in persons who have a full-scale IQ of 80 or higher, who suffer from no other physical, emotional, psychological, or psychiatric conditions which act as an impediment to learning but who, nevertheless, are unable to learn to read, write, spell, and comprehend the language as expected from exposure to a normal classroom experience.

The Dyslexia Training Program presents a multi-sensory program of instruction which emphasizes phonics and is taught by a teacher/facilitator to classes of limited size using a number of teaching aids including workbooks, flash cards, magnetic letter tiles, and other items.

The program consists of structured and repetitive instruction which is conducted five [5] hours per week, excluding holidays and school closures.

In order that the students may all be age-appropriate and comply with the elements of the disorder, we separate the classes into three grade level groups; grades 3 through 5, grades 6 through 8, and grades 9 through 11.

The prospective students are screened by the Board or its designee in an effort to eliminate those children who obviously will not qualify. Those students who are accepted, after screening, may also be examined by a qualified psychologist. Final acceptance depends, in part, upon the results of already in place school accommodations, school recommendations, or official evaluations.

Our classes are conducted by a teacher/facilitator who is certified to teach in Louisiana. The classes are held in different physical facilities. Some classrooms are situated in a Masonic Lodge Hall, while other classes are conducted in space which has been provided for that purpose by a church, school, or other entity.

No charges are assessed to the student or the parent/guardian for the training given the student. If, however, a parent or other interested person or group wishes to make a contribution, of whatever size, to the tax-exempt charity, such donations are gladly accepted and applied to the promotion of this undertaking.

For further information, call the Masonic Learning Center of Louisiana at: [318] 487-4986 or [318]443-5610, or you may email the Masonic Learning Center at dyslexia@la-mason.com