Can you explain what the Barton tutoring system is and how is that different from Orton Gillingham?

“The Barton tutoring system is one that is designed to help students who have dyslexia. The Barton program and Orton Gillingham are not different but rather Barton is a specific reading program that is based off of the Orton-Gillingham style. “

How many books are involved and does a student have to complete the whole series?

“There are 8 books involved in the Barton program and we do recommend that students complete the whole series as each level builds on top of one another and ultimately helps students to become advanced in their reading capabilities rather than behind or simply on track.”

What benefits do the Barton tutoring system provide a dyslexic student?

“The benefits that the Barton system provides to a student with dyslexia are many. One of the great benefits that the Barton system provides is that it helps to create an understanding and creating connections between sounds and words. This program also provides a structure that helps students become more aware of what they are reading and through that are better able to comprehend passages that they are reading. This is a program that also highlights spelling and vocabulary. Through each lessons students are able to learn how to not only enhance their spelling capabilities but expand their vocabulary understanding as well. Overall, this program helps to provide great structure and expand their vocabulary, spelling, and overall phonemic awareness.”

Will a student be aware that he or she is making progress or is the improvement gradual / intangible?

“Students will be able to see that they made progress but their own notice will be the last on the list as goes with anything. It is always that those around the student will notice their progress first, but as time goes on and the student continually practices these skills they will start to notice their own progress and see the way their capabilities have expanded.”

What differences have you witnessed – would be great if you have one or two anecdotes/stories of successful students. No names of course.

“Through this program I have seen students go from not being able to read a simple sentence fluently and struggle through words, to being able to read full passages fluently with no struggle. Along with this I have also seen students greatly improve their writing skills as well, being able to write difficult words with such ease (something that was very difficult for them to do prior). I remember a student who really struggled with their spelling and did not have a vocabulary beyond the most basic words read a long passage (referred to as the stories in each lesson). They were able to read the passage so easily and knew how to spell complicated words out of the passage. This student just looked and me and was like “I just did that all by myself” and finally had that light bub moment and more than that created confidence within themselves. A lot of these students greatly struggle with having confidence when it comes to reading and spelling, either because they have felt that they have never been good at it or because people have made them feel that way whether that be in school, at home, or with peers. When they reach the moment of confidence rather than trying to guess their way through; that is when it can be seen that this program benefits these students in more ways than one.”