The Barton Reading and Spelling System is a structured, Orton-Gillingham based tutoring program designed for individuals with dyslexia, featuring scripted lessons that non-professionals can use effectively.
What is Barton Reading?
Created by Susan Barton and in use since 1998, the Barton Reading and Spelling System is a one-on-one tutoring program specifically designed for students with dyslexia or language-based learning disabilities. The program consists of 10 levels, each containing 10-15 lessons. Students who complete all levels read, spell, and write at approximately mid-ninth grade level. What sets Barton apart is its accessibility: highly scripted lessons allow parents without teaching backgrounds to deliver effective intervention. The program uses color-coded tiles and multisensory techniques to help students connect sounds with letters, addressing the phonemic awareness deficits that underlie dyslexia.
Key Takeaways
- 10-level program taking students to approximately mid-ninth grade reading level
- Designed for non-professionals—parents can effectively tutor their own children
- Uses Orton-Gillingham methodology with multisensory, systematic instruction
- Requires student screening before beginning to assess phonemic awareness readiness
How the Program Works
Barton sessions typically last one hour and are recommended twice weekly. The highly scripted format means tutors follow detailed scripts rather than creating lesson plans. Level 1 focuses entirely on phonemic awareness—teaching the seven essential skills needed before spelling and reading instruction can succeed. This foundation is critical since about 20% of the population doesn't develop phonemic awareness naturally, which is the core deficit in dyslexia. Each subsequent level builds systematically on previous learning, with students manipulating color-coded tiles to physically represent sounds and spelling patterns.
Training and Support
Unlike Wilson Reading, which requires professional certification, Barton was specifically designed for non-professionals. Parents are the primary users—about half of all purchasers are parents homeschooling or tutoring their own children. Tutor training videos are available through the official website, and Barton provides unlimited support regardless of whether materials are purchased new or used. This accessibility makes it feasible for families to implement effective dyslexia intervention at home without the expense of professional tutoring, though commitment to the one-hour sessions twice weekly is essential.
Cost and Time Investment
The Bottom Line
Barton Reading is often described as "expensive, boring, and effective"—an honest assessment that captures both its limitations and its value. The program works because it addresses the core phonemic awareness deficits underlying dyslexia through systematic, multisensory instruction that parents can deliver. The significant investment in time and money is worthwhile for families committed to helping their struggling reader without hiring professional tutors. If your child doesn't pass the Barton Student Screening, start with programs like Lindamood-Bell's LiPS to build phonemic awareness first. For dyslexic learners, this research-backed intervention can be genuinely life-changing.
