Students who benefit most include those with dyslexia or reading disabilities, struggling readers who haven't responded well to classroom instruction, and learners who need a more structured, explicit approach to phonics and decoding. The method also works well for students who are significantly below grade level, as it allows tutors to start at the appropriate foundational level and build systematically. Gifted readers can also benefit from the advanced comprehension and analytical components of the curriculum.

Personalized 1-on-1 Susan Barton instruction allows tutors to move at each student's pace rather than the classroom pace, ensuring mastery of foundational skills before progressing. In Indianapolis classrooms with an average 19:1 student-teacher ratio, teachers often can't provide the intensive, multisensory feedback that the Susan Barton method requires. With personalized tutoring, tutors can identify exactly where a student's reading breaks down and target those specific gaps with targeted, repetitive practice.

The Susan Barton method specifically targets phonemic awareness gaps, decoding difficulties, sight word confusion, and comprehension struggles that often stem from weak foundational skills. Many students also struggle with fluency—reading too slowly or without expression—which the method addresses through structured practice and immediate correction. Additionally, it helps students with reversals, sequencing issues, and difficulty blending sounds into words, which are hallmark challenges for students with dyslexia or reading disabilities.

During the first session, a tutor will assess your student's current reading level, identify specific strengths and gaps, and explain how the Susan Barton approach will address those needs. The tutor will introduce the foundational concepts and multisensory techniques that make the method effective, and you'll see firsthand how personalized instruction differs from classroom learning. This initial session sets the foundation for a customized tutoring plan tailored to your student's pace and learning style.

Many students begin showing measurable improvement in decoding and fluency within 4-6 weeks of consistent, personalized instruction, though the timeline varies based on the severity of the reading difficulty and frequency of sessions. Students with significant reading gaps may need 3-6 months of regular tutoring to develop solid foundational skills and begin reading at or near grade level. Consistency is key—students who meet regularly with tutors typically progress faster than those with sporadic sessions.

The Susan Barton method uses a structured, phonics-based approach that complements most modern literacy curricula, including those used in Indianapolis schools. However, Susan Barton is more intensive and explicit than many classroom programs, making it ideal for students who need additional support or a different instructional approach. Tutors can coordinate with classroom teachers to ensure the personalized instruction reinforces grade-level expectations while addressing individual gaps.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors in Indianapolis who specialize in Susan Barton reading instruction and have training in structured literacy methods. You can specify your student's grade level, reading challenges, and goals, and get matched with a tutor whose expertise aligns with your needs. The process is straightforward—share your student's situation, and Varsity Tutors handles the matching to ensure you connect with qualified professionals ready to help.