Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the philosophy of your program? We believe that learning disabilities and ADHD are differences in how children process information that make it difficult for them to learn by traditional instructional methods. The particular set of learning strengths and weaknesses varies from child-to-child. For example, children diagnosed as dyslexic have different learning profiles. For this reason, we believe that instruction must be individualized to match each child's strengths and weaknesses. We think children with learning disabilities can and should become independent learners. Understanding how a child learns and knowing what strategies minimize the problems are important to the teacher, the parent, and the child. While learning disabilities do not get "fixed," the children do learn how to learn despite their differences in processing information. 2. What kinds of children do you have in Dore Academy? Our students have mild to moderate learning disabilities and average to very superior intelligence. Our admissions policy is fairly broad and examines a range of criteria, but we do not accept behaviorally or emotionally disabled students. Our goal is that children leaving will be able to learn in a regular education setting. 3. Do you have a program for dyslexic children? Dyslexia is a type of learning disability that involves reading. Our Orton-Gillingham reading program is designed especially for dyslexic students. Many of our children are dyslexic, and most have Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD).4. Do you accept children with behavior problems? Because we do not have the structure or program to work with children who have behavior problems, we do no accept children who have academic difficulties as a result of a behavioral or emotional impairment. However, Dore Academy does assist those families in finding a more appropriate setting. 5. Do you accept children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? We do accept children who have only an attention problem. We do accept children who have a learning disability and an attention deficit. In reviewing applications for the program, attention difficulties are considered. However, if we have cause to believe that a child’s attention problem will interfere with his/her learning or has behaviors that will interfere or impede the progress of other students, we will not accept the student.6. Why is the word "language" in the description of your LD program? We have found that a large number of learning disabilities are language-based. Children with reading disabilities (dyslexia) often have some problems in spoken language as well as written. We believe that oral communication, comprehension of language, vocabulary development, and conversational skills should be a part of the program. Children receive individual or small group services as needed. Much of the language work is done in the classroom with the reading teacher and a speech-language pathologist (if contracted) working together. 7. What are the qualifications of your teachers? All teachers in Dore Academy are specialists in their academic areas and are trained to teach learning disabled children. Dore requires and provides annual professional development and continuing education opportunities for faculty. This ensures that faculty continuously hones their teaching skills and stay informed of trends, techniques and curricular advancements among our student population.8. What method do you use to teach the children? There is no single method of teaching that is appropriate for every child with a learning disability or ADHD. We believe in using the child's learning profile, obtained through diagnostic evaluation and placement testing, to determine the methods used. For example, in reading, some children need a structured phonics approach (Orton-Gillingham, Slingerland, Wilson); while others need a whole word approach. We match the method to the child's particular needs. 9. How would you describe the balance between remediation, regular curriculum, and special activities? Dore Academy focuses on educating each student at the appropriate grade level while remediating the weakness caused by the specific learning disability. In other words, we incorporate a unique method to teach the curriculum and materials that would be used in a traditional classroom setting. Additional support, including on-site counselors, technology and reading classes, are provided and available for each student. 10. How do you decide if a child is "right" for your program? We carefully examine the comprehensive diagnostic evaluation to make certain there is a mild to moderate learning disability or ADHD. The prospective student is interviewed and given a tour. This provides Dore Academy with an honest assessment of the child’s and his/her specific academic weaknesses. 11. Does this mean all children in a class are taught the same way? No. Instruction is highly individualized and is focused on success in both the teacher-student relationship and student-to-student relationship.12. How long do children stay in your program? The average length of stay is about three years. Some children leave after two years, while others stay throughout the entirety of their academic careers. 13. What do you expect from the parents of children in Dore Academy? We hope that parents are active participants in their child's education. We offer individual conferences to assist parents in understanding how their child learns, and what parents can do outside of Dore Academy to encourage the academic success of their child14. What happens to children when they leave? Most children return to regular education settings. Some go into transition programs in private schools and others continue to receive special services within regular education settings.15. Do most children return to the schools they left? A few children return to the schools they attended prior to entering Dore Academy, but most select new schools. Most children who apply to private schools are accepted. Many families prefer a transition program to have smaller classes initially. 16. Do parents get assistance in selecting a new school? Yes, Dore Academy has an educational placement team who is available to families of children leaving the school. In addition, Division Heads, teachers, and school counselors meet with parents to discuss the learning needs of the child and suggest schools with an appropriate curriculum based on those needs. The final choices as to where families apply and which schools they select are, of course, the families' decision.17. How do children do when they leave? Parents and teachers typically report that their child is doing well. 18. What is your position on medication for children with ADHD? In keeping with current research, we believe that ADHD is a neurologically based problem that, in many cases, is helped by medication. We do not think that medication alone is an appropriate treatment. Medication does not remediate learning disabilities, but rather makes a child more available for instruction. The diagnosis of ADHD is not the job of a school; it is that of a physician with input from parents, teachers, and other professionals who work with or test the child. Dore Academy's classes are small and provide structure that is often sufficient to enable children with ADHD to learn without the need for medical intervention. If, however, a child's self-image or rate of progress is affected significantly by attention problems, we feel it is our responsibility to discuss these concerns with parents and recommend that they consult with a physician to determine whether medication is an option for their child. In addition, teachers will discuss with parents the possible impact of attention problems on a child who is leaving the program and returning to a school with larger classes. If a child is on medication, our teachers provide feedback to parents and physicians to help assure maximum benefit. Medication is not required by Dore Academy. However, if our structure is not effective enough and a child's attention problems interfere with achieving our goals for the child or with the learning of other children, our program is no longer appropriate. Assistance will be provided in finding another placement.