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Structured Literacy Tutoring with the Barton Reading & Spelling System
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HOW BARTON WORKS
What is the Barton Reading & Spelling System?
The Barton Reading and Spelling System was created by dyslexia specialist Susan Barton and is based on the principles of Orton-Gillingham instruction. It is one of the most well-known and widely used structured literacy programs for students with dyslexia and reading challenges.
What makes Barton different from most reading programs is that it teaches reading and spelling simultaneously. These skills are deeply connected, yet most programs treat them separately. Barton addresses both together, in a logical sequence that builds from foundational sounds all the way through advanced spelling rules, Latin roots, and morphology.
Barton is not a quick-fix program. It is designed to be completed in its entirety and requires a minimum of twice per week to be effective. Students who work consistently through all 10 levels typically reach a high school reading level by completion.
PART OF THE ORTON-GILLINGHAM FAMILY
Barton is based on the Orton-Gillingham approach, the research-backed foundation of structured literacy instruction. It is widely considered one of the most comprehensive programs in that category.
Barton Reading & Spelling System
Our primary program. Teaches reading and spelling together across 10 cumulative levels. Certified specialists only.
Our primary program
Wilson Reading System
Another well-known OG-based program, common in school settings.
All About Reading / SPIRE / IMSE OG+
Additional programs within the structured literacy family.
STUDENTS THAT BENEFIT MOST
Is Barton the Right Fit?
Barton is designed for students who struggle with reading, spelling, or phonics—especially those with dyslexia or persistent reading challenges.
It is a strong fit for students who:
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Have difficulty sounding out words or spelling accurately
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Fall behind despite traditional tutoring or classroom support
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Need a structured, step-by-step approach to reading
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Benefit from repetition, consistency, and clear rules
Because Barton requires consistency and mastery-based progression, it works best for families who can commit to at least two sessions per week.
WHAT MAKES BARTON EFFECTIVE
Six Reasons Barton Gets Results
Barton is not the only Orton-Gillingham program, but it is one of the most comprehensive. Here is what sets it apart.
Reads and spells together
Reading and spelling are taught at the same time. Each lesson reinforces both skills, helping students connect sounds, patterns, and meaning consistently.
Structured and sequential
Skills are introduced in a clear, logical order. Each lesson builds on the last, ensuring students develop a strong foundation before moving forward.
Teaches the rules of English
Students learn why words are spelled and pronounced as they are. This approach removes guesswork and builds confidence through clear, repeatable rules.
Mastery-based progression
Students advance only after mastering each step. This prevents gaps in learning and ensures steady, confident progress at an appropriate pace.
Multisensory by design
Lessons engage sight, sound, and touch together. Color tiles, movement, and repetition strengthen how students connect letters, sounds, and words.
Designed for dyslexia
Built specifically for dyslexia, the program supports how students process language, improving reading, spelling, and comprehension step by step.
10 LEVELS FROM PHONEMIC AWARENESS TO INDEPENDENCE
What Your Child Will Learn
Each Barton level builds directly on the one before it. Students begin with the most foundational skill and progress systematically through every major pattern and rule in the English language.
Level 1
Phonemic
Awareness
Level 6
Six Reasons for Silent-E
Level 2
Consonants & Short Vowels
Level 7
Vowel-R's
(er, ir, ur, ar, or)
Level 3
Closed & Unit Syllables
Level 8
Advanced Vowel Teams
Level 4
Multi-Syllable & Vowel Teams
Level 9
Foreign Langue Influence
Level 5
Prefixes & Suffixes
Level 10
Latin Roots & Greek Forms
10
Structured levels
2x/wk
Minimum session frequency
HS level
Reading goal at completion
HOW IT COMPARES
Barton vs Other Reading Programs
Barton is not the only reading program available, but it differs from many common approaches in important ways.
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Barton vs general tutoring: Focuses on foundational reading and spelling skills, not homework help or comprehension alone
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Barton vs school instruction: Uses structured literacy with explicit, sequential teaching rather than balanced literacy or guessing strategies
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Barton vs apps or phonics programs: Provides live, guided instruction with real-time correction and mastery-based progression
This is why Barton is often used when other methods have not produced lasting results.