Students who benefit most from Susan Barton instruction include those with reading difficulties, dyslexia, slow reading fluency, or weak phonemic awareness. The system also works well for students who need a more structured, sequential approach to reading than they receive in typical classroom settings. Given the 11.8:1 student-teacher ratio across Bronx schools, many students benefit from the individualized attention that personalized instruction provides.

Personalized Susan Barton instruction allows tutors to work at each student's specific pace and address individual gaps in foundational skills, whereas classroom instruction must move at a pace that works for the group. Tutors can diagnose exactly where a student is struggling—whether in phonemic awareness, sound-symbol correspondence, or blending—and target instruction precisely. This individualized approach typically accelerates progress for students who haven't responded to standard classroom methods.

During the initial session, the tutor assesses the student's current reading level, identifies specific areas of weakness, and determines where to begin instruction within the Susan Barton curriculum. This diagnostic phase is crucial for creating a personalized learning plan that targets the student's exact needs. The tutor will also explain the approach to the student and establish a foundation for productive sessions moving forward.

Many students begin showing measurable progress in phonemic awareness and decoding skills within 4-8 weeks of consistent, personalized instruction. However, the timeline varies based on the severity of the student's reading challenges and how frequently they receive tutoring. Regular practice between sessions and consistency are key factors in accelerating improvement in reading fluency and comprehension.

Tutors who work with Varsity Tutors on Susan Barton instruction have specialized training in the Susan Barton Reading System and a strong background in literacy instruction. They understand the science of reading and are skilled at diagnosing reading difficulties and delivering systematic, explicit phonics instruction. Varsity Tutors connects students with tutors who have proven expertise in helping students overcome reading challenges.

The Susan Barton system is particularly effective for students struggling with phonemic awareness (hearing and manipulating sounds), decoding multisyllabic words, spelling patterns, and reading fluency. Many students also struggle with understanding how letters represent sounds, which is foundational to reading. Personalized instruction targets these specific gaps rather than reviewing skills the student has already mastered.

For students with significant reading challenges, 2-3 sessions per week typically produces the most consistent progress, though frequency can be adjusted based on the student's needs and goals. Even one session per week can be beneficial when combined with practice and reinforcement at home. A tutor can recommend the optimal frequency during the initial assessment based on the student's current level and specific challenges.