Question 1

What is the Susan Barton Reading System?

Accepted Answer

The Susan Barton Reading System is a structured literacy program based on Orton-Gillingham principles, designed to teach reading through explicit, systematic phonics instruction. It's particularly effective for students who struggle with decoding, fluency, or have dyslexia, as it breaks reading into manageable, sequential steps that build strong foundational skills.

Question 2

Which students benefit most from Susan Barton reading instruction?

Accepted Answer

Students who struggle with phonics, have difficulty sounding out words, experience slow reading fluency, or have been identified with dyslexia typically see significant gains with Susan Barton instruction. The system also works well for students who haven't responded to traditional classroom reading instruction, as it provides the explicit, step-by-step approach many struggling readers need.

Question 3

How is Susan Barton tutoring different from reading instruction in Brooklyn schools?

Accepted Answer

While Brooklyn's 801 schools follow various reading curricula, Susan Barton tutoring provides personalized 1-on-1 instruction tailored to your student's specific needs and pace. Classroom instruction typically covers reading with larger student-teacher ratios (Brooklyn averages 11.7:1), whereas personalized Susan Barton instruction allows tutors to focus intensively on foundational phonics skills, immediate feedback, and individualized pacing—critical for students who need remediation or acceleration.

Question 4

How long does it typically take to see improvement with Susan Barton reading instruction?

Accepted Answer

Most students begin showing noticeable improvement in phonics awareness and decoding accuracy within 4-8 weeks of consistent, personalized instruction. More significant gains in fluency and comprehension typically emerge over 3-6 months, depending on the student's starting point and frequency of tutoring sessions.

Question 5

What grade levels does Susan Barton reading instruction work for?

Accepted Answer

Susan Barton instruction is effective for students from early elementary through high school, and even adults. The system's structured approach works whether a student is just beginning to learn phonics or is an older student catching up on foundational reading skills they may have missed.

Question 6

What happens in the first Susan Barton tutoring session?

Accepted Answer

Your first session typically includes an assessment of your student's current reading level, phonics knowledge, and specific challenges. The tutor will explain how the Susan Barton method works and create a personalized plan based on where your student needs to start in the curriculum to build strong, sequential reading skills.

Question 7

How do I find a Susan Barton-trained tutor for students in Brooklyn?

Accepted Answer

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors trained in the Susan Barton Reading System right here in Brooklyn. When you reach out, let us know you're looking for Susan Barton instruction, and we'll match you with a qualified tutor who can provide personalized 1-on-1 reading instruction tailored to your student's needs.

Question 8

How can I track my student's progress with Susan Barton reading tutoring?

Accepted Answer

Susan Barton instruction includes regular assessments of phonics mastery, decoding accuracy, and reading fluency. Tutors track which phonetic patterns and skills your student has mastered and identify areas needing more practice, so you can see concrete, measurable progress in specific reading skills over time.

Award-Winning Susan Barton Tutors
serving Brooklyn, NY

Who needs tutoring?

FEATURED BY

TUTORS FROM