Question 1

What is the Susan Barton Reading System?

Accepted Answer

The Susan Barton Reading System is a structured literacy approach designed to help students develop strong foundational reading skills through explicit, systematic instruction in phonics, decoding, and comprehension. It's particularly effective for students who struggle with reading, including those with dyslexia or other reading difficulties, and focuses on teaching the underlying code of written English rather than relying on sight words or guessing strategies.

Question 2

What reading challenges does Susan Barton tutoring address?

Accepted Answer

Susan Barton tutoring helps students in Philadelphia overcome common reading obstacles like difficulty decoding unfamiliar words, slow reading fluency, weak comprehension despite word recognition, and confusion about phonetic patterns. Many students who struggle in traditional classroom settings—where instruction may move faster than individual learning needs allow—benefit from the step-by-step, mastery-based approach that Susan Barton tutoring provides.

Question 3

How is Susan Barton tutoring different from classroom reading instruction?

Accepted Answer

In Philadelphia's classrooms with an average 14.4:1 student-teacher ratio, teachers often can't provide the individualized attention needed for students who learn differently. Susan Barton tutoring offers personalized 1-on-1 instruction that moves at each student's pace, repeats concepts until mastery is achieved, and directly addresses specific gaps in foundational skills. This targeted approach allows tutors to diagnose exactly where a student's reading breaks down and rebuild from that point forward.

Question 4

What age or grade level is Susan Barton tutoring appropriate for?

Accepted Answer

Susan Barton tutoring is effective for students from early elementary through high school, and even adults. While many students benefit from starting in elementary grades when foundational skills are being established, it's never too late—older students and adults who struggled with reading in school often see significant improvement because they finally understand the systematic logic behind written English.

Question 5

What happens during the first Susan Barton tutoring session?

Accepted Answer

The first session typically focuses on assessment and building rapport. A tutor will evaluate your student's current reading level, identify specific areas of difficulty, and understand their learning style and goals. This diagnostic approach ensures the tutoring plan is tailored to your student's needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all curriculum.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Many students notice improved confidence and decoding ability within 4-6 weeks of consistent tutoring, though the timeline depends on the severity of initial struggles and frequency of sessions. More significant gains in fluency and comprehension typically emerge over 3-6 months of regular instruction. Consistency matters more than intensity—regular weekly sessions often produce better results than sporadic intensive sessions.

Question 7

What qualifications do Susan Barton tutors have?

Accepted Answer

Tutors who work with Varsity Tutors and specialize in Susan Barton reading instruction have demonstrated expertise in structured literacy and the Susan Barton methodology. They understand phonemic awareness, the alphabetic code, and how to diagnose and remediate reading difficulties. When you connect with a tutor, you can discuss their specific training, experience with students like yours, and approach to personalized instruction.

Question 8

How do I get matched with a Susan Barton tutor for students in Philadelphia?

Accepted Answer

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in Susan Barton reading instruction and serve students in Philadelphia. You can share details about your student's age, current reading level, and specific challenges, and we'll match you with a tutor whose expertise and teaching style fit your needs. Most students can start tutoring within days of connecting with their tutor.

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