Question 1

What is the Susan Barton Reading System?

Accepted Answer

The Susan Barton Reading System is a structured literacy approach designed to teach phonics, decoding, and fluency through explicit, systematic instruction. It's particularly effective for students who struggle with reading or have dyslexia, as it breaks down the reading process into manageable, sequential steps that build strong foundational skills.

Question 2

Do Denton schools use the Susan Barton approach?

Accepted Answer

While Denton ISD and Lewisville ISD serve the area with their own reading curricula, many students benefit from supplemental Susan Barton instruction to strengthen phonics foundations and reading fluency. Personalized tutoring using this method can complement classroom learning and address individual gaps that may not be fully covered in a traditional classroom setting with a 12.1:1 student-teacher ratio.

Question 3

How does Susan Barton help struggling readers?

Accepted Answer

Susan Barton focuses on teaching the phonetic code—how letters and letter combinations represent sounds—which is essential for decoding unfamiliar words. For students in Denton who struggle with reading, this explicit, step-by-step approach builds confidence and independence by addressing the root causes of reading difficulty rather than just symptoms.

Question 4

How is Susan Barton tutoring different from classroom reading instruction?

Accepted Answer

Personalized 1-on-1 Susan Barton tutoring allows tutors to pace instruction to each student's needs, repeat concepts until mastery, and provide immediate feedback—advantages that classroom instruction, even with dedicated teachers, cannot always match. Tutors can also identify and target specific weak areas in phonics or decoding that may be holding a student back.

Question 5

What ages and grade levels benefit from Susan Barton tutoring?

Accepted Answer

Susan Barton instruction is effective for elementary through high school students, though it's most commonly used in early elementary grades (K-3) when foundational reading skills are being established. Older students who struggle with reading or have never mastered phonics can also benefit significantly from this structured approach to catch up and build stronger literacy skills.

Question 6

What happens in the first Susan Barton tutoring session?

Accepted Answer

During an initial session, a tutor will assess your student's current reading level, identify specific phonics gaps, and explain how the Susan Barton method addresses those areas. You'll also discuss goals, learning style, and a personalized plan for moving forward—so the tutoring is tailored from day one.

Question 7

How long does it take to see reading improvement?

Accepted Answer

Many students show noticeable progress in fluency and confidence within 4-8 weeks of consistent tutoring, though the timeline depends on the severity of initial challenges and frequency of sessions. With regular practice and personalized instruction, students typically build stronger decoding skills and reading independence over a few months.

Question 8

How do I find a Susan Barton tutor for students in Denton?

Accepted Answer

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors trained in the Susan Barton Reading System who work with students in Denton. You can share your student's specific needs and goals, and we'll match you with a tutor who has the right expertise and availability for personalized instruction.

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