While Allentown's 44 schools provide quality education, classroom instruction typically follows a pace that works for the average student—not necessarily for those who need more targeted support. Susan Barton tutoring offers personalized 1-on-1 instruction that moves at your child's pace, provides immediate feedback, and uses multisensory techniques to reinforce each skill before moving forward. This individualized approach is particularly valuable for students who haven't responded to standard reading programs.

Students who benefit most include those with dyslexia, reading delays, difficulty with phonics, slow decoding speed, or those who've struggled despite previous tutoring. However, Susan Barton instruction is also effective for students reading below grade level, those with attention challenges affecting reading, and gifted readers who need more sophisticated decoding strategies. A qualified tutor can assess whether this approach is the right fit for your child's specific needs.

Most students begin showing measurable progress within 4-8 weeks of consistent instruction, though the timeline depends on the severity of the reading difficulty and frequency of sessions. Students typically work through the Susan Barton curriculum over several months to a year, with noticeable improvements in decoding accuracy, reading fluency, and confidence appearing within the first 2-3 months. Consistency is key—regular weekly sessions produce better results than sporadic instruction.

Susan Barton instruction is effective from early elementary through high school, and even for adults. The program is often most impactful when started in elementary grades, but older students with persistent reading difficulties can absolutely benefit from this structured approach. A tutor can adapt the instruction to match your student's age, current reading level, and learning goals, regardless of their grade placement.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors trained in the Susan Barton Reading System who work with students in Allentown and the surrounding area. When you reach out, you can specify that you're looking for Susan Barton instruction, and we'll match you with a qualified tutor whose expertise aligns with your child's reading needs. Our matching process considers your student's grade level, specific challenges, and learning style to ensure a good fit.

The first session typically includes an assessment of your child's current reading level, phonemic awareness, decoding skills, and understanding of letter-sound relationships. The tutor will discuss your child's reading history, any previous interventions, and your goals for improvement. This initial evaluation helps the tutor determine where to begin instruction within the Susan Barton curriculum and establish a personalized learning plan.

Parent involvement significantly enhances results in Susan Barton instruction. Tutors typically provide guidance on how to support reading practice at home, recommend specific activities to reinforce skills between sessions, and keep you updated on progress and areas of focus. Regular communication between tutor and parent ensures consistency and helps your child apply new skills in everyday reading situations, accelerating improvement.