Students who struggle with phonics, have difficulty sounding out words, or have been diagnosed with dyslexia often see significant improvement with Susan Barton instruction. Additionally, students who haven't responded well to classroom reading instruction, or those learning English as a second language, frequently benefit from this structured, step-by-step approach. The method works for readers at any level—from struggling early readers to older students catching up on foundational skills.

While classroom teachers work with 20+ students at varying reading levels, personalized 1-on-1 Susan Barton instruction allows tutors to move at your student's pace and address specific gaps. Tutors can spend time on exactly the skills your student needs, provide immediate feedback, and adjust lessons based on what's working—something difficult to do in a classroom setting. This personalized approach often leads to faster progress and greater confidence in struggling readers.

The first session typically focuses on assessment—tutors will evaluate your student's current reading level, identify specific challenges, and understand learning style preferences. This diagnostic work helps create a personalized lesson plan tailored to your student's needs. Tutors will also explain the Susan Barton method and set clear, achievable goals for improvement.

Many students see noticeable progress within 4-6 weeks of consistent, personalized instruction, though timelines vary based on starting point and frequency of sessions. Students working 2-3 times per week typically progress faster than those meeting once weekly. With the Susan Barton method's systematic approach, improvement is often measurable through increased fluency, better decoding skills, and improved comprehension.

Expert tutors in the Susan Barton method should have formal training in the approach and ideally hold certification in structured literacy or dyslexia intervention. Experience working with struggling readers and a track record of helping students improve decoding and fluency are essential. When you connect with Varsity Tutors, we match you with tutors who have the expertise and experience needed for your student's specific reading challenges.

With 26 schools serving over 15,900 students in Palm Bay, many classrooms have student-teacher ratios that make individualized reading support challenging. Students who fall behind in reading often need more targeted intervention than classroom instruction alone can provide. Personalized Susan Barton tutoring fills this gap, giving struggling readers the focused, systematic instruction they need to catch up and build confidence.

Contact Varsity Tutors to discuss your student's reading challenges and goals. We'll match you with an expert tutor trained in the Susan Barton method who understands your student's specific needs. From there, you'll schedule your first session, and the tutor will create a personalized plan to help your student become a confident, fluent reader.