Students who benefit most include those with dyslexia, reading delays, or difficulty with phonemic awareness and decoding. However, the system works well for any student who needs a more structured, explicit approach to reading—whether they're struggling readers or advanced learners seeking deeper understanding of reading mechanics. For students in Greenville's 80 schools, personalized Susan Barton instruction can fill gaps that may be harder to address in larger classroom settings with average class sizes of 14.5 students per teacher.

During the first session, a tutor will assess your student's current reading level, identify specific challenges with phonics, decoding, or fluency, and explain how the Susan Barton approach addresses those areas. The tutor will also discuss your student's goals and learning style to create a personalized plan. This foundation helps ensure instruction is targeted and builds momentum from day one.

Personalized Susan Barton instruction allows tutors to focus entirely on your student's specific needs and pace, whereas classroom teachers must balance the needs of many students. Tutors can spend extra time on struggling concepts, adjust the sequence of lessons based on mastery, and provide immediate feedback and correction. This one-on-one approach is particularly valuable for students who need more repetition or a different explanation to truly grasp foundational reading skills.

Many students show noticeable progress in phonemic awareness and decoding within 4-8 weeks of consistent, personalized instruction, though the timeline varies based on the student's starting point and frequency of sessions. Significant improvements in fluency and comprehension often develop over several months as foundational skills solidify. Regular practice between sessions accelerates progress, so tutors typically assign brief, targeted homework to reinforce what's learned.

Susan Barton instruction is particularly effective for students struggling with phonemic awareness (hearing and manipulating sounds), phonics (connecting sounds to letters), decoding unfamiliar words, and reading fluency. Students often come to tutoring with gaps in these foundational skills, which then affect comprehension and confidence. The structured, explicit nature of the Susan Barton approach directly targets these areas, helping students build the automaticity needed to focus on meaning rather than struggling with each word.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who specialize in Susan Barton instruction and understand the specific needs of students in Greenville. When you reach out, share your student's reading challenges and goals, and we'll match you with a tutor experienced in this approach. The process is straightforward—you'll discuss your student's needs, and we'll ensure you're connected with someone qualified to deliver effective, personalized Susan Barton instruction.

While Susan Barton instruction is often introduced in elementary grades, it's effective for students at any grade level who need explicit phonics and decoding instruction. Middle and high school students with undiagnosed reading difficulties or dyslexia can benefit significantly from this structured approach. A tutor will assess your student's current level and adjust the instruction accordingly, whether they're in early elementary or preparing for college-level reading demands.