Success Stories

Parents
Volunteer Tutors

Reading Specialists & RSPs

Adult Literacy Coordinators

Professional Tutors

Students
More Success Stories

Success Stories Back to Top

Watch as 4 people share their success with the Barton Reading & Spelling System in this 7-minute video:  a parent, a resource specialist, the owner of a tutoring center, and a classroom teacher.

Watch the video
Windows Media Player Movie or Quicktime Movie

Back to Top

Parents Back to Top

Thank you so much for this reading system. This is the first time I have seen improvement in my son's reading. He has also noticed the improvement, which has made a huge difference in his attitude. I only wish I had found this system earlier -- when he was in first grade. Karon Bobbitt Vernon, AL

My son has made tremendous progress in the Barton System. When he started as a first grader, he could only read short two- and three-letter words. Reading was a chore. Even with flash cards and repetition, he wasn't getting it.

After participating in this program, he is now reading at grade level and can easily get through a book.

Lisa Hartley
Pleasanton, CA

Thank you for the Barton System. It has changed my daughter's life.

We felt she was underperforming in school. After finding your website, we had her tested for dyslexia.

I started tutoring her this last summer. This fall, she made 6th Grade Honor Roll, working independently. The most exciting part is that she told me she actually volunteered to read in class for the first time ever!

Tina Mukai
San Jose, CA

My son, Kyle, has had trouble reading since kindergarten. He went through 5 years of elementary school staying at a kindergarten reading level. Teachers said he wouldn't ever read or he'd only be a sight reader.

Then one of his teachers, Emily Moss, got trained in the Barton Reading & Spelling System. She started tutoring him at the beginning of sixth grade. He just finished seventh grade, and his success is beyond words. For the first time, he took the state standards test at the end of the year, and he passed the reading portion with a 3 -- which means he met the standards. His teacher was so excited that she pulled him out of lunch to give him the news. Imagine going from the kindergarten level to the 7th grade level in just 2 years.

He's able to read billboards, and he reads books he's interested in all by himself. He's never had that type of independence before.

I want to thank you for the program. My hope is that all schools will have at least one teacher who has been trained in your program so they will be able to help another child like Kyle.

Tina Smith
Reidsville, NC

When our son finished second grade, the school evaluated his reading level. It was 1.9 to 2.3.

After only 2 months of tutoring him myself over the summer using your system, he has improved greatly. The school tested him at the beginning of this year, third grade, and his reading is now 3.2 to 5.0.

His self-confidence is so much better than it was a year ago. He will even read out loud in Sunday School in front of his friends.

Recently, there was a story about a dyslexic boy in their lesson. He raised his hand and shared that he has dyslexia, too. Jonah explained that he was born with it, and that he can read just as well as any of them, it just sometimes takes him a little longer.

Bless you for what you have done for our son.

Eileen Carter
Gainesville, FL

During our year of homeschooling, my daughter got twice a week tutoring from a Certified Barton tutor. She is now in the middle of Level 4.

This year, I decided to re-enroll her in public school. Yesterday, the reading teacher listened to her read. Natalie read all the "assessments" for 4th grade perfectly. She made one error on the 5th grade assessment, and Natalie opted to try their 6th grade reading passage. She did pretty well on that one, too. That means in her 5th grade class, she will be able to read grade-level books independently.
Natalie said, "Mom, this Barton Tutoring really works!" She was very excited.

I can't thank you enough for all the time you have given to help people with dyslexia

Betsy Lester
Parker, CO

I wanted to let you know how wonderful the Barton System has been for my son. We hired a Barton tutor in 2005, when my son was 7 and in Kindergarten, at the bottom of his class and barely able to read and write. We knew he needed special help that the school didn't offer.

His progress has been tremendous. He is now in first grade and at the top of his class. His teacher says that he reads at a third grade level.

This has given him a confidence and self-assurance he didn't possess before. We now have a happy son who volunteers to explain spelling and grammar rules to the other kids in his class.

Thank you, and his tutor, for helping him succeed in school and in life.

Sacha Arts
Los Gatos, CA

Angelo is doing great with the Barton System. He is working with a Barton tutor in Pacifica. He's finally reading for pleasure !!!!!

Now I have to make him put the book down and turn off the light at night. YAHOO !!!!

Laura Novello
Half Moon Bay, CA

My son entered the Barton program at the beginning of first grade. I was amazed at how much progress Grant made by the end of the year. He went from hating school to loving it. A huge part was due to his success in reading.

I can't imagine where Grant would be without the Barton program. I hope other children who struggle with reading and learning disabilities will have the same opportunities that my son has had.

Danielle Messinger
Pleasanton, CA

In 5th grade we realized that our son was about to enter middle school, and yet was still functionally illiterate.

I began working on Level 1 with Danny, and for the first time, I could see that things were making sense to him.

His reversals of letters and numbers when writing went away. It was amazing.

A quantum leap in his spelling and reading comprehension took place.

We've been using the Barton System for 18 months. Danny made the Honor Roll this year. His most recent report card was straight-A's!

The school principal was so impressed by Danny's improvement that she ordered the Barton System.

Mike Billo
San Francisco, CA

I wanted to let you know how much your tutoring program has helped my daughter.

Knowing Beth had dyslexia, I began tutoring her when she was 5. By the time she started Kindergarten, she was in Level 3.

I just had a parent-teacher conference last Friday, and Beth is at the top of her class in reading.

Candi Houghton
Visalia, CA

When it came to reading, my daughter's frustration could be seen in her contorted face as she tried to sound out words. It was incredibly painful to watch her struggle day after day.

Today, after only 18 months of instruction with the Barton System, she enjoys reading! At night she goes to her room to read to her sister. She reads signs as we drive on the freeway. She even catches my errors. I'm dyslexic. I cannot tell you how her corrections bring tears to my eyes.

Feel free to give out my email address to anyone who wants to know how a dyslexic child has been successfully homeschooled using your program.

Wendi Fawns
Pleasanton, CA

Although my grandson did "okay" in Kindergarten, he did not do as well as we expected. After learning more about dyslexia, when first grade began, I asked the school to test him for dyslexia. They said he definitely has it.

So I hired a Certified Barton tutors to work with him twice a week.

He is now in second grade. His teacher says that he is a champion reader. He has no problems with any part of their reading program.

Thank you for helping us find such a wonderful tutor for our grandson.

Ann Myers
San Jose, CA

My second grade-daughter hated school and often came home crying. She complained that the other kids laughed at her. I was concerned about my daughter's skills and horrified that she hated school!

My daughter began the Barton Reading System in October. I am thrilled to report her progress. In just two months, her reading improved by 20 words per minute. She now loves school. She also loves to read. She still has more work ahead, but she loves "doing Barton." Thank you for such a wonderful program.

Susan Garcia
Pleasanton, CA

I am on Level 3 with my daughter. I see a HUGE improvement. I am no longer worried about junior and senior high. I know she will be ok.

The Barton System is an answer to a prayer! Thank you!

Cynthia Dapello
Claremont, CA

Her writing has improved dramatically. Her reading is improving. She's more successful with spelling. She's happy again. She's finally participating in class. Overall, her whole attitude has changed. Even her teacher has noticed.

Rachel Garcia
Pleasanton, CA

I've been very pleased with my son's progress. His reading has improved as well as his writing. He has more confidence in reading, and he's willing to read aloud now.

His confidence level is higher, so he enjoys school more. He will now pick up a book and read it on his own, where he never would before. I could not be happier with his progress.

Kathy Bertolini
Pleasanton, CA

I have been home schooling for over 6 years, and I've been searching for a curriculum that would help my children with their reading and spelling, as well as be easy to use and not require a great deal of training outside the home. I had almost given up hope when I finally stumbled across the Barton Reading and Spelling System.

The Barton System's train-as-you-go style makes it extremely easy to use. All the lessons are laid out very clearly, and it's lots of fun. In just a few short months, my son's spelling has improved, and he has even commented on how the system has helped him to hear sounds in the words he spells.

My daughter, who was always reluctant to pick up a book, can hardly be found without one now, and her spelling has improved tremendously. They both look forward to our time together, especially the games at the end.

I am very excited about the Barton System. I hope many more homeschooling families will find it to be the key to their child's success in reading and spelling.

Linda Luebker
Castro Valley, CA

The best part is the confidence he now has while reading. He doesn't just guess at the bigger words. He can break them apart and discern the sounds. I'm very thankful for finding the Barton System. We had tried a private tutor and a Score center. They didn't work. He was still struggling.

The Barton System has taught him to 'hear' all the different sounds, to take them apart, and to put them back together. It's a program that has worked wonders for my son.

Victoria Rosenberg
Pleasanton, CA

My son Kolton is 8 and in second grade. When I started tutoring him in October, the teacher said he was reading at the preprimer (or Kindergarten) level. Kolton has steadily improved.

It is now March. He is in the middle of Level 3. His teacher just retested him, and he is now reading on a 2nd grade independent level, and a 3rd grade instructional level. Isn't that just awesome?

Debbie Copple
Davenport, FL

Because he sees how much the Barton Reading and Spelling System has helped him, my second grade son asks, "Mommy, why can't everybody have tutoring?" This system has saved our family years of searching and frustration, and has given my son the confidence to continue trying. I appreciate the step-by-step details of the lesson plans and the integration of spelling along with reading.

Sue Maass
Cupertino, CA

Jillian has been tutored for three months. We have already seen much improvement in her grammar, spelling and reading. She is very proud of her accomplishments. She now reads on her own, without prompting, and often brags about being able to figure out new words.

Greg Blandino
Pleasanton, CA

The Barton Reading and Spelling System is an Orton-Gillingham-based program. It is meant mainly for home use, so it can potentially save you a lot in clinician fees. There are training tapes for the parents.

Susan Barton, the author and creator of the system, is readily available to answer questions via email or phone. The personal attention and direction you receive is amazing!

(The Barton System was given a 5 Star Rating, their top rating.)

from LDReview.com,
a consumer's guide written by parents

I've seen my daughter make huge strides in reading ability, and her interest in reading has increased tremendously. It used to be when I asked her to read, she didn't want to. Now she picks up a book and reads it on her own. That's a huge change. She even had a meltdown last week because she wanted to read aloud to the family, but it was past her bedtime.

Mary Linchey
Pleasanton, CA

The Barton System has made a great difference to my daughter. Her reading, comprehension, and joy in reading have all improved because of this program. She is becoming more confident, and she can now attack words successfully.

In spelling last year, she struggled so much. Now she gets assigned 15 words each week, and gets 12-13 right.

Her reading is more fluid. She wants to try words she has not seen before, and often gets them right. All of her teachers have seen the difference.

This program is special and needs to spread. If you need a voice, I pledge my support.

Paul Theobald
Pleasanton, CA

Claire is blossoming at school. She completed the first three Barton levels before starting fourth grade, so she is in the regular reading group. She is thrilled to be participating in grade-level novel studies. She loves to read!

Her written expression has greatly improved now that she has the tools to proofread her own work.

I can't thank you enough for developing the Barton System for parents like me, who have limited access to services and training.

It is, by far, the most cohesive, understandable reading and spelling program I have ever taught -- and I taught elementary school for 14 years.

Cathy Struck
Red Lodge, MT

It was while I was being trained to be a tutor in the Barton System that I realized my own son needed to be tested for dyslexia. Before my training, I didn't understand his struggles or how to help him. He is currently being tutored, and with only a few weeks under his belt, I already see his self-confidence improving!

The Barton System is user friendly, both for the student and the tutor.

Nancy denBroeder
Pleasanton, CA

My son is now in Level 5 of the Barton System and he's in a reading frenzy. When we were shopping at Costco, I finally had to take his book away. He said it was so good he couldn't put it down. Those were the magic words I'd hoped to hear for so many years.

After one year of tutoring, he's gone from struggling with second-grade readers to rapidly and accurately reading -- and loving -- fifth-grade books. Your system is fabulous.

Sharon Marriott
Livermore, CA

I'd like to send a note of praise regarding the Barton Reading and Spelling System. I am a parent AND a tutor. The Barton System gives students rules to follow and "tricks" to help them remember the rules. In my opinion, it is a program that helps the "falling through the cracks" kids who are bright but struggle with reading.

My son is one who needed this program. He now picks up things to read that he wouldn't have considered a year ago.

Victoria Rosenberg
Pleasanton, CA

I have been so excited teaching The Barton System and seeing results in such a short time. My son Adam is doing very well. In fact, he is now ineligible for resource! I have been waiting for this day for years!

I just want to tell the world that test results prove that with hard work, determination, and the Barton System, a dyslexic child can learn to read and spell.

If you ever need a testimonial for the Barton System, please let me know.

Louise Petersen
Ahwahnee, CA

Back to Top

Volunteer Tutors Back to Top

I have had a very rewarding experience being a Barton tutor these past few months. I am a retired primary school teacher, and I wanted to help out a friend who homeschooled three of her boys. I had no idea I would learn so much about teaching students with dyslexia and ADHD. You have opened my eyes and improved my teaching skills. Thank you. Bev Lucas, retired teacher Browns Valley, CA

Here at Alma Heights Christian Academy, we have trained 4 teachers, 7 teacher aides, and 6 parent volunteers to use the Barton System. As a result, 34 students are being tutored with the Barton System.

Our teachers have embraced it, and they are coming up with innovative ways to ensure all students who need it, get it.

In November, we plan to train 3 more teachers to enable them to supervise an upper-class / Kindergarten Barton reading buddy program.

Thank you for making the future brighter for these students.

Belinda Casas
Alma Heights Christian Academy
Pacifica, CA

I am an educator with seventeen years of elementary experience. I am currently working with two students in the Barton System. One is a first grader who was retained last year. She had a very difficult time hearing and breaking up sounds. She is now able to break words down into their individual sounds. Her mother reports that she is sounding out words for the very first time and is more successful with reading. This program has also eliminated her b-d confusion.

My other student is a fourth grader. She came into the program not knowing her vowel sounds and reading very slowly. She has now mastered her short vowel sounds. Her teacher reports that her spelling has improved dramatically. I have also seen her fluency rate greatly increase. When we began she was using the lowest reader available. Within a matter of weeks she needed to move up to more difficult material.

Diana Orton-Johansson
Dublin, CA

I can't believe that I am almost 50 years old and I've never known any of this. I didn't even know what a phoneme was until I looked it up in the dictionary.

When I started volunteering at the literacy program, I thought to myself, "This is something that I can do because I read really well." Well, it didn't take me long to figure out that doing and teaching are completely different.

Now I understand what the struggling kids are dealing with. I had my doubts at the beginning whether or not I could teach this way, but I'm getting more confident. I can't tell you how impressed I am by your system.

Joan Lehman
Copperopolis, CA

I have had the privilege of tutoring a 7th grade student this year. This young lady has been a pure delight. She works hard, is patient with my learning curve, and is greatly appreciative.

Last week, after five months of tutoring, she just received her very first ever PERFECT SCORE on a spelling test. She was beaming with pride. She explained that she uses the finger spelling technique in class, despite the fact that classmates ask why she is counting.

Thank you, Susan, for a program that helps kids become successful.

Katina Roeder
Pleasanton, CA

The Barton System is extremely well organized, success oriented, and user friendly. For five months now, I've been using it to tutor a 10 year old child with dyslexia twice a week for an hour each session. Her reading skill had stagnated for years at the first grade level. This system has helped her tremendously. We're making great progress, and her mother is delighted.

Vicky Garcia
Oakland, CA

I am just a beginning tutor using the Barton System during the summer. I am tutoring one of my students from last year (second grade). I felt sure she had dyslexia, but had no way of really diagnosing it. Her parents were willing to try something new -- the old ways were not working. She was reading below grade level and her spelling was atrocious.

I was very unsure about the first level; she seemed beyond that. However, we went diligently through each lesson, taking our time to make sure we were doing everything correctly.

When we hit level two, I have seen the parts coming together. She is now carefully double-checking her spelling using the b-p test, knowing that at this point, she can't trust her eyes to pick the right one. She now uses it consistently, and a major spelling error has been overcome. Her reading is consistently improving.

Thanks for the Barton system. It's easy to use and really works.

Cindy Burrow
Thomasville, NC

I have tutored Julia, a 4th grader, for 17 sessions. She just finished Level 3. Her mom just emailed this note:

Great news! Julia just received her report card. Her teacher commented that she has noticed an improvement in Julia's comprehension. She also managed to get straight-A's. Thank you for all you are doing to help her. It's making a huge difference.

Susan, I just want to thank you for making this possible. As a Barton tutor, I have the most rewarding occupation in the world. I never would have found it without you.

You must receive hundreds of notes about the miraculous way the Barton Reading & Spelling System has changed lives. Add mine to the pile.

Laurie Frydenlund
Ft. Myers, FL

I am a kindergarten teacher. This is my second year tutoring a third-grade student with the Barton System. I enjoy seeing the amazing progress she is making. An unexpected bonus, for me, is how my knowledge of the Barton System has enhanced how I teach in my regular classroom.

Lynn Eklund
Pleasanton, CA

As a volunteer tutor, I particularly appreciate the fully scripted lesson plans. The Barton System books give me the words I need to explain the reading and spelling rules, and they remind me to encourage and praise my students. Most important, the program works! I have seen dramatic improvements in the reading and spelling skills of all the students I tutor.

Sandy Gant
Saratoga, CA

The way the material is presented in the tutor manuals is wonderful. It is precise, easy to follow and thorough. It gives you confidence to know that every single step is covered in detail. Not only have my students learned a lot from this system, I have too.

Penny Beeston
Cupertino, CA

Back to Top

Reading Specialists & RSPs Back to Top

I am a retired reading teacher. I have taught reading for over 25 years using basal programs,
co-operative learning,
Success For All, Four Blocks, and whole language.

When I retired, I started tutoring 2 students using the Barton Reading & Spelling System.

I finally know how to teach reading.

One student is now at grade level. The other is above grade level.

Bev Doyle
Olney, Maryland

It is March. We have only been using the Barton System since September. The progress is AMAZING. Some teachers have seen their students improve by 400 lexile points on reading tests. The teachers can't stop talking about the Barton System.

Sidney Hough, Literacy Specialist
Monument, CO

I have been searching for a system like this my entire professional career. We are now using the Barton System as our primary remediation method for our special education students with reading and spelling needs.

I also highly recommend its use to parents whose children need systematic one-to-one reading and spelling instruction. The Barton System training DVDs, with their fully scripted lesson plans, provide enough support for parents to become effective tutors.

A significant number of parent volunteers are using these professionally designed lesson plans on a one-to-one basis with at-risk students at our school, twice a week, with impressive results. The Barton System works!

Rod Proctor, Resource Specialist
Saratoga, CA

I wanted to let you know what a difference the Barton System has made in my life as an educator, and how your influence is spreading. We have a site license at our school, and we are using the Barton System both as Tier III remediation and as part of an early intervention program.

My school is a Title 1 school, yet this year, our kids scored higher than the "country club" schools in our district.

Due to that success, my district is now purchasing site licenses for the first four Barton levels for each of our elementary schools.

And something even more incredible just happened. I received a call from our State Department of Education asking me to make a presentation to the administrators about the program at our school.

Pam Evans, Kindergarten teacher

 

Benton, AR

Three years ago, we started using the Barton Reading & Spelling System in a small way in our district. We had 7 students who had not been able to pass the TAKS end-of-year statewide standards test. They flunked it all 3 times they were allowed to take it.

After only 9 months of one-on-one Barton tutoring for 45 minutes a day, all 7 students passed the TAKS test -- 2 with commendations, and 2 with perfect scores.

Last year, we expanded our use of the Barton System to the 55 students identified with dyslexia in grades 3, 4, 5, and 6. At the end of those grades, 53 of the 55 passed the TAKS test the first time they took it. (The 2 students who did not pass did started Barton tutoring very late in the school year.)

That's why this year, we will be using the Barton Reading & Spelling System with struggling students in every school in our district.

Ernie Maldanado
Dyslexia Specialist for Weslaco School District
Weslaco, TX

I convinced our assistant superintendent to let me spend my Title 1 money to buy the first four levels of the Barton Reading & Spelling System.

I have been Lindamood-Bell trained, trained by Denver Academy in F.A.S.T., and have attended many other Orton-Gillingham training seminars and classes. But your system is absolutely brilliant.

My aide and I have been 'high fiving' each other every day when we use your explicit, systematic, sequential program and see it work before our eyes!

You have hit every nail on the head, and you've assimilated all of the best practices into your program.

The best part is that you've made it so accessible and easy that I can train my aides to teach any student we get.

I know you've heard this many times, Susan, but I can't wait until I can order the rest of the system. It is the best out there.

Jackie Tidd, Reading Specialist
Aspen Community School
Woody Creek, CO

Two years ago, Michael came to our school as a sophomore. He was very quiet and uncooperative. He sat in the back of the class and did not participate. His grades were terrible.

I began tutoring Michael in January. A month later, his literature teacher brought me his paper and wanted to know how to grade it. It contained only two lines. The first line had no punctuation, capitalization or spaces. The second was easy to read: "What's the point?"

The following year she brought me his paper. It was five pages long! He had become such an animated and self-assured young man that he was an absolute joy to have in class.

In October, he had to take the Washington Assessment of Student Learning test. Level 1-well below standard, Level 2-below standard, Level 3-meets standard (average to above average), Level 4-exceeds standard.

Michael shared his scores with us: 3 in Math, 3 in Writing, and 4 in Reading!!! He was very proud, and we were dancing on the rooftops!

Candice Craddick, Vice Principal
House of the Lord Christian Academy

 

Oldtown, ID

I am a former Reading Improvement teacher. I was often frustrated that there was not a quality, hands-on, accessible and complete program that I could use with my students.

I am now a Barton tutor.

This is the best reading program I have ever seen or been trained in. This program could literally rescue hundreds (maybe thousands) of our poor readers from years of frustration and low-level reading.

Katie Thompson
former Reading Improvement teacher
Pleasanton, CA

The Barton System has changed the lives of all 7 of the students I am currently tutoring. They ask to come more often than 3 times a week.

It is thrilling to hear their successes in school when they had so few successes in the past.

My 7-year-old student got his first ever 100% on his spelling test.

Jane Conlin
Reading Specialist
St. Paul, MN

We have just completed the spring progress-monitoring of DIBELS and have realized some incredible success with the first grade students who have been receiving intervention using the Barton Reading & Spelling System.

I snuck the Barton System in the back door of my school. I used it, as did my ESE and Title One Instructional Assistants. But now that I have data to show such incredible improvement, my principal has opened the front door in grand fashion and will allow K-2 intervention to take place next year.

In at least 95% of the cases, the PSF scores increased dramatically, and the NWF scores really took off. The kids were blending sounds into words, not just spitting out the sounds. Some of the kids who had been behavior problems in their classroom stopped acting out.

They actually began to understand this whole "reading thing" and began attending during classroom instruction. It's been exciting for all of us to watch.

Some parents have even stopped the teachers and asked, "What is going on with my child? He tries to read everything now. Before, he would not even try."

Sue Hoyt
Discovery Elementary School
Satellite Beach, Florida

Although we have only been working in the Barton program together a short time, the change in the body posture of these students is so amazing. They walk with more confidence, now with their heads looking up and forward — no longer down or to the side.

These students were the ones who avoided class and who could care less about anything which required them to read. I wish you could see them now as we work together. They do not want to stop.

The Barton System has not only improved their reading and spelling skills, but also their self-esteem! It is GREAT to see their smiles, their confidence, and their willingness to participate in class.

Mary Charuhas, SDC Paraeducator
Pleasanton, CA

I've gone through both the Barton and the Wilson system. I have found many benefits to yours over Wilson.

Your system incorporates a multisensory approach to sight words. Wilson does not have that.

Yours has a fluency and phrasing part in each lesson that Wilson does not have.

Students learn how to construct sentences as well as write dictated sentences.

Your scope and sequence goes to a higher level.

Although the Wilson System is strong, yours is much stronger.

Danny O'Donnell
Kintnersville, PA

I have been a special education teacher for the past 18 years. I work in the Special Day Class with high school students. These students typically read at the second to fourth grade levels. Despite years of Special Ed help, improvement is usually minimal.

But my SDC high school students using the Barton System have shown 4 to 7 years of growth in reading when tutored twice a week for 2 years.

With the state's demands for higher standards and test scores, we must offer our struggling students a reading program that works — like the Barton System.

Gail Myers, SDC Teacher
Pleasanton, CA

I am currently using the Barton Reading & Spelling System at the middle school level with several students who have reading difficulties related to dyslexia. Our school district has been trying hard to find ways to address the needs of our special education and non-special education students with reading delays.

Thankfully, because of the progress our "pilot" students have made, our superintendent has given permission to purchase the program for all of the schools in the district.

Tracey Ward, School Psychologist
Boyle County Schools
Danville, KY

The Barton System works no matter what reading disability my students have been diagnosed with. I can now accomplish in a couple of months what it took me years to accomplish before.

June Campbell, Resource Specialist
San Jose, CA

I wanted to let you know how the Barton System has already impacted my Special Ed. students.

I have two high school juniors who are currently being tutored twice a week in the Barton System. After the third week, one student proudly told me how much he had improved. He expressed joy at reading faster and comprehending more. His mother called, asking me to increase his tutoring from twice to three times a week.

My other student tells me that he can finally read his textbook without "faking it." He participates more in class discussions because he can read and understand the textbook.

Duch Anderson, RSP
Pleasanton, CA

I was very impressed with the care you used in making sure that tutors are knowledgeable about the phonology of the English language when teaching their students. Your program is structured carefully with step-by-step instruction involving all the components of reading that are so crucial to student success.

Dr. Carol Tolman
Spofford, NH

I have been a resource aide for three years, and a volunteer Barton tutor for two years. I have found the Barton Reading & Spelling System easy to understand and implement.

Kim Vandiver, Resource Aide
Pleasanton, CA

I run a small private school for ADD/LD/Dyslexic middle school students. I purchased your program this past summer to implement in my classroom and in my private clinic.

I have been so impressed with the results I have been seeing using your program. We initially tested the kids in August prior to enrollment. We tested again in October and I saw a good growth pattern then. But now, in our January testing, I am amazed at our success (and yours). My students have gained an average of 2 years in the past 5 months in reading and spelling!

Anna Cunerty, The Brain Cell
Upland, CA

The Barton System has shown me that through the support of volunteer tutors in our community, we can help struggling readers and writers achieve what may have seemed to be impossible. This one-on-one tutoring program is an invaluable asset to the students.

I have nothing but praise for the effectiveness of the Barton System.

Nancy Day, Teacher
Pleasanton, CA

We used the Barton System with 28 students in small groups last year. Feedback from the parents was very positive. They felt the program was extremely helpful.

Thanks for creating such a great program.

Kim Thompson, Learning Specialist
Baymonte Christian School
Scotts Valley, CA

When this student began third grade, he was disinterested in reading altogether, and he was unable to read grade-level material fluently.

With the support of the Barton System, he is now confident in his abilities, and he's able to comfortably read grade-level material. He now has the ability to read multi-syllabic words.

Amy Soule, Third Grade Teacher
Pleasanton, CA

I am so proud of the progress my students have made with your program since last spring. One of my students in sixth grade has moved through Levels 1 and 2 and is beginning Level 3. It has been slow and steady and really worth the effort on his part and on mine. His reading has improved as well as his spelling. He is now able to compete at the challenge word level in spelling bees, and read Stuart Little for his book report with great enthusiasm and comprehension.

I am so very grateful to you for providing this high-quality and super-effective system.

Denise Friedman, Resource Specialist
Chicago, IL

I had a fourth-grade student who was unable to read or spell even three-letter words. He has made amazing progress since September. His parents were quite defeated at the beginning of the year, but the success their son has had in the Barton System has made a difference for everyone.

Reading is one of the most critical skills that we teach, impacting all other subjects. It is essential that all children be given whatever materials and approach they need to master this skill.

Susan DiGirolamo, Resource Specialist
Pleasanton, CA

You did an excellent job in the design of your program. I am a "Learning Lab" supervisor. As a first time tutor, I find the organization and thoroughness of your program so helpful to me and my 3 students.

I just wanted to say thank you for doing such an excellent work on behalf of the kids who struggle with reading and spelling.

Patty Buller, Resource Specialist
Los Gatos, CA

My second-grade student's reading level has improved greatly. I'm very impressed. He now volunteers to read aloud in a small group. He's able to correct the wrong sound with minimal coaching from me.

I'm thankful for the Barton System. I knew he was struggling reader, but until now, I didn't know how to help him.

Peggy Coberly, Second Grade Teacher
Pleasanton, CA

Back to Top

Adult Literacy Coordinators Back to Top

I just conducted my first Barton tutor-training session. I had 12 people take the class from four schools plus Head Start and the public school nurse. It went well thanks to your fantastic training videos. Lani Raymond Tok, AK

I marvel each day at the common-sense way this whole system is put together, and how easy it is to use.

Sandy Graham, Project Director
Read To Live
Walnut Creek, CA

I highly recommend the Barton Reading & Spelling System for library-based literacy programs. This system answers the need for accessible, expert guidance for volunteers teaching adults (and children) with reading disabilities.

It is easy for volunteer tutors to use because the lessons are fully scripted. Both volunteer tutors and learners feel successful using the Barton System.

This is the system that adult literacy programs have been waiting for.

Molly Sandperl Black
LD Coordinator, Project READ
Redwood City, CA

We've now trained 50 inmates to act as tutors within the New Jersey State Prison using your videotapes. The training was so successful. It was an "aha" experience, a real eye opener. They immediately recognized what was missing in their tutoring program.

Lois Young, Coordinator of ABC Prison Literacy
Princeton, NJ

Back to Top

Professional Tutors Back to Top

I cannot tell you how thankful I am for the Barton Reading and Spelling System. I am seeing wonderful success with my students. Their parents are pleased, and the students like coming to me for tutoring because your system makes sense to them. Carol Ann Hood, professional tutor Scotts Valley, CA

.

As a professional tutor already trained in the Lindamood-Bell LiPS program, I have to tell you that I absolutely LOVE the Barton System and have put it to immediate use.

Your color coding system is wonderful. And I love the physical aspect of your syllable division breaking process. The color coding of prefixes and suffixes makes it easy to see the baseword and derivatives, which is recommended by current research.

I liked the looks of your system, and I'm even more impressed now that I've worked with it for awhile. I'm trying to get the county literacy program to acquire this great system.

Suzanne Coutchie, Reading Coach
Davis, CA

.

I have used other Orton-Gillingham-based programs before. They helped with reading, but the spelling part was always left behind. As a tutor, I was frustrated because the child's spelling was still a problem.

But in the Barton System, spelling is taught right along with reading. The spelling rules are simple enough for the child to understand and use. So their spelling improves along with their reading.

This is the difference between the Barton System and other OG programs that I have used in the past. I am really happy with Barton. I can testify that this program really works.

Dr. Annie Lopez
Andrews University
Center for Reading, Learning, and Assessment

My first student, Tyler, was 14 and had finished his freshman year in high school. Just before I started tutoring him, he was given the WIAT-II to assess his reading and spelling skills.

On June 20, 2006, his scores were:

He received tutoring three to four times a week, for 14 months.

On August 11, 2007, after he finished all 10 levels of the Barton System, his scores on that same test were:

Rosemarie Hoffman
Certified Barton tutor - at the Advanced level
Woodstock, GA

I finally have the resources at my fingertips to help parents and students with Dyslexia and with reading delays. I am a reading tutor by trade, and have used many different strategies and programs. I can, from the bottom of my heart and soul, tell people that your program is the finest I have ever used.

The Lord put you on this earth to educate and spread your knowledge. I will do everything in my power to bring families and adult students to you.

Kerry Nickerson
Phoenix, AZ

When I started tutoring a 6th grade student in April, she was reading at a 3.5 grade level according to the SDRT score on her IEP testing.

After tutoring her for only 7 months, the school retested her using the SDRT. She is now reading at a 7.7 grade level.

Wow! That is a 4.2 grade level increase in only 7 months in a student with both dyslexia and ADD.

Margarette Pang
Dyslexia Tutoring Center of Hawaii
Honolulu, HI

.

The 17-year-old senior boy that I tutor came in very excited today. Some kids had started to tease him that the couldn't spell a long word, but he proved to them that he could. He shared that he had tapped the syllables on his leg that was under the desk.

His whole world is opening up now that he can read. He told me that he is thinking about being a builder now that he can read. Before, he was just going to try to run a yeard work business.

He passed the Science portion of the High School Exit Exam, after failing it last year because, as he put it, he could read the words this time.

Rosemarie Hoffman
Woodstock, GA

Happy New Year, Susan. You know what a fan I am of the Barton program. I wanted to briefly share this with you.

One of my students, who is severely dyslexic, received straight A's on her 6th grade report card and was exited out of Special Ed. The resource specialist told her parents that rarely, if ever, happens. Her parents are thrilled, and I am extremely proud to have been part of helping her achieve her potential.

Another student of mine is in first grade this year. He is also severely dyslexic. His kindergarten teacher was not hopeful that he would ever learn to read. When he started Barton tutoring, his sentences were just a string of letters. He is now reading and writing wonderful sentences.

Thank you for letting me share a few of my success stories. I am extremely proud of all of my students. I feel like I have found my calling.

Kim Vandiver
Pleasanton, CA

I went to school to become a teacher in a regular classroom setting. I have had an opportunity to do that and enjoyed that job.