Many students in Staten Island's 108 schools benefit from personalized 1-on-1 instruction using the Susan Barton method, which addresses the specific gaps preventing reading progress. Rather than moving at a classroom pace, tutors connect with students to diagnose exactly where their decoding or comprehension breaks down, then provide targeted practice to close those gaps. This personalized approach is especially valuable for students who need more intensive support than a typical classroom setting—with Staten Island's average student-teacher ratio of 12.2:1—can provide.

While the Susan Barton System can be adapted for learners of various ages, it's most commonly used with elementary and middle school students who are behind in reading skills, as well as older students with dyslexia or reading disabilities. The program is also effective for students in upper grades who still struggle with decoding or fluency. A tutor can assess your student's current reading level and determine whether Susan Barton instruction aligns with their needs, regardless of grade.

Classroom reading instruction typically covers grade-level standards for an entire class, while personalized Susan Barton tutoring focuses exclusively on your student's specific reading challenges and learning pace. Tutors can spend time reinforcing foundational skills, practicing decoding strategies, and building fluency without the time constraints of a classroom. This one-on-one approach allows for immediate feedback, adjusted difficulty, and targeted practice that accelerates progress for students who need it most.

During an initial session, a tutor will assess your student's current reading level, identify specific areas of struggle (like phonics, fluency, or comprehension), and explain how the Susan Barton approach addresses those challenges. You'll discuss your student's goals, learning history, and any previous reading interventions. The tutor will then outline a personalized plan and begin introducing the systematic, structured methods that form the foundation of the program.

Reading progress depends on the student's starting level, frequency of tutoring, and consistency with practice between sessions, but many students show measurable improvement in decoding and fluency within 4-8 weeks of regular tutoring. More significant gains in comprehension and reading confidence often develop over a longer period as foundational skills solidify. Tutors will track progress regularly and adjust instruction to keep momentum going.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who specialize in the Susan Barton Reading System and serve students throughout Staten Island. When you reach out, you can specify that you're looking for Susan Barton instruction, and you'll be matched with a tutor whose expertise and availability fit your student's needs. Tutors are independent professionals experienced in structured literacy instruction and can begin working with your student quickly.

Yes, the Susan Barton System is specifically designed to support students with dyslexia and other reading disabilities through explicit, multisensory instruction in phonics and decoding. The structured, step-by-step approach helps students with dyslexia build the neural pathways needed for reading success. Many students with dyslexia benefit significantly from this method when combined with consistent, personalized tutoring that reinforces skills and builds reading confidence.