Students who benefit most from Susan Barton instruction include those with dyslexia, reading delays, difficulty with phonics, or those who haven't responded well to conventional classroom reading programs. It's also valuable for students who need explicit, step-by-step instruction to build confidence and independence in reading. The personalized approach works well for learners of all ages who need targeted support in decoding and comprehension skills.

Personalized Susan Barton instruction allows tutors to work at your student's individual pace and target their specific gaps in phonics, decoding, or fluency—something difficult in a classroom with a 24.8:1 student-teacher ratio like many New Orleans schools. One-on-one sessions provide immediate feedback, repetition when needed, and the ability to adjust teaching methods based on how your student learns best. This focused approach often produces faster progress than classroom instruction alone, especially for students with reading difficulties.

The first session typically focuses on assessment and building rapport. A tutor will evaluate your student's current reading skills, identify specific challenges with phonics or decoding, and discuss learning goals. This information helps create a personalized instruction plan tailored to your student's needs and learning style, ensuring sessions are productive from day one.

Many students show noticeable improvement in phonics understanding and decoding accuracy within 4-8 weeks of consistent, personalized instruction. However, the timeline depends on factors like the student's starting level, frequency of sessions, and how much practice happens between tutoring appointments. Regular sessions combined with home practice typically accelerate progress significantly.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors trained in the Susan Barton Reading System who work with students in New Orleans. When you reach out, we match you with a tutor whose expertise and availability align with your student's needs. You can discuss your student's specific reading challenges, preferred session frequency, and schedule to find the right fit.

The Susan Barton Reading System complements school curricula by providing explicit phonics and decoding instruction that strengthens foundational skills. While schools may use different reading programs, the systematic phonics approach in Susan Barton instruction fills gaps and reinforces core literacy concepts that support success across any reading curriculum. Tutors can coordinate with classroom learning to ensure consistency and maximize progress.

Tutoring costs vary based on factors like tutor experience, session frequency, and your location in New Orleans. Most families find that investing in personalized instruction—especially for students with significant reading challenges—delivers strong returns through measurable improvement in reading skills and confidence. We're happy to discuss pricing options and help you find a tutoring plan that fits your budget and your student's needs.