Our Program

Understanding Effective Tutoring Programs

Selecting the right tutoring program for your child can be challenging, especially with so many programs claiming to be research-based. However, the term “research-based” doesn’t always guarantee effectiveness. Even programs aligned with scientifically-backed reading research can vary significantly in how well they address the needs of at-risk readers. The effectiveness of a program depends on its design and the fidelity with which it is implemented.

Why Fidelity Matters in Tutoring Programs

At Foundations Tutoring, we are committed to using only evidence-based curriculums proven effective for reading instruction. We adhere strictly to the recommended guidelines and conditions under which these programs have been shown to work best. Unlike programs that mix and match components, we use the entire curriculum as designed to ensure consistency and effectiveness.

Individualizing Your Child’s Tutoring Program

Just as a recipe might be slightly adjusted for individual taste, we tailor our programs to fit each child’s unique needs. The severity and nature of a student’s reading difficulties, along with their response to instruction, guide our adjustments. For example, a student who reads quickly but inaccurately might need a different approach compared to one who reads accurately but slowly. Our diagnostic and progress-monitoring approach allows us to customize the program to maximize each student’s improvement rate.

The Barton Reading and Spelling Program

Once we assess your child’s learning profile, we may recommend the Barton Reading and Spelling Program. This program, based on the Orton-Gillingham method and aligned with the science of reading, is a cornerstone of our intervention strategies.

Key Features of the Barton System

1. Multisensory Approach: Integrates visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile activities, proven to be effective for students with reading difficulties.
2. Explicit Instruction: Direct teaching without guesswork, ensuring students understand exactly what they need to learn.
3. Systematic Teaching: Skills are introduced in a logical sequence, from simplest to most complex, building a solid foundation.
4. Diagnostic and Prescriptive Lessons: Continuous monitoring of student progress to adjust instruction based on individual needs.
5. Cumulative Learning: Reinforces previous learning in every lesson to ensure mastery and retention.

Core Components of Orton-Gillingham Methodology

1. Phonological Awareness: Mastery of blending and segmenting sounds into words.
2. Sound-Symbol Associations: Understanding how sounds correspond to letters and letter combinations.
3. Syllable Types: Teaching the six basic syllable types to help with decoding multi-syllable words.
4. Morphology: Instruction on meaningful language chunks, such as roots and affixes.
5. Syntax: Understanding grammar, sentence structure, and language mechanics.
6. Semantics: Developing vocabulary and comprehension through understanding word meanings and context.

Enhancing Writing and Vocabulary Instruction

Students in the Barton System also benefit from targeted vocabulary instruction. We use visual techniques and relate new words to prior knowledge to strengthen memory and application. Writing instruction addresses issues such as handwriting, spelling, attention, and vocabulary, depending on the student’s specific challenges.

For more information about how Foundations Tutoring can support your child’s literacy development, please contact us.