FAQs

Q: Why Orton-Gillingham?

*International Dyslexia Association. (2020) Effective Reading Instruction for Students With Dyslexia [Fact Sheet]. https://dyslexiaida.org/effective-reading-instruction-for-students-with-dyslexia/

Systemic (Not incidental) phonics instruction
Multisensory
Effective with all students, but especially students who struggle with traditional methods

Q: How do you teach a multisensory program online?

Multisensory materials are shipped to the student
Click here to see the materials kit
I model their use using a document camera and monitor student use through their camera.
Student holds up written work or a white board to the camera

Q: Does this work with older students?

Absolutely! Instruction is diagnostic and prescriptive.
Your child will be assessed to determine where to start. Assessment results, not grade or age, will determine the course of instruction.
The materials are matched to the ability and age of your child.

Q: What if I start, and it isn't a good fit?

The "good fit guarantee" means if you are not fully satisfied, the first session is free.
The materials may be returned to me and you will not be billed for them.
There is no obligation to continue as long as you cancel at least 24 hours prior to the next scheduled lesson.

Q: May I pause sessions to work with my child?

Yes! If your child needs more practice before moving to the next stage, you can save money by pausing tutoring to allow your child time to master that stage and resume later.

Q: How long will I need to invest in tutoring before my child is reading at the expected level for their age or grade?

There are many factors that will impact how long you will need to invest in tutoring. These factors include: your child's age, whether they have a reading disability, and how much practice and support you are able to provide between tutoring sessions.
As a general rule of thumb, you can expect tutoring to take at least one year and sometimes up to two years before your child is able to read on age/grade level.
At least 2 sessions per week are recommended for steady progress, and three sessions per week are strongly encouraged.

Q: Why is Orton-Gillingham tutoring more expensive than other types of tutoring?

Orton-Gillingham tutoring is more expensive than other types of tutoring because for every 30 minutes your child is receiving face to face instruction, the teacher is spending at least 15 minutes after the lesson, diagnosing your child's successes as well as their errors, and planning the next lesson based on that data. Because research shows that students with dyslexia require a diagnostic and prescriptive reading intervention, the student's successes and errors during today's session become the starting point for the next lesson. Typical tutoring sessions from centers such as Kumon, Huntington or Sylvan Learning Centers rely on pre-made lesson plans and use a similar scope and sequence of lessons for all students. This less individualized approach may work for typical readers who just need extra support. However, if your child has a reading disability such as dyslexia, it is essential that the tutoring sessions are customized specifically to your child's strengths and weaknesses. Making sure the lessons are paced appropriately so they are not to difficult or too easy, as well as checking for mastery before proceeding to the next concept are crucial for the success of struggling readers.

Q: Are you able to tutor outside of Virginia?

Yes! I am certified to teach in public schools in Virginia, but I can tutor in any state.

Q: Can you diagnose my child with dyslexia or a learning disability?

No. The assessment I give is not the same as a formal, psycho-educational evaluation that would be needed to diagnose your child with dyslexia or a learning disability. However, I can provide information and resources on how to request a formal evaluation from your local public school system.

Q: What is Structured Literacy?

Here is an excellent infographic that explains Structured Literacy: https://dyslexiaida.org/what-is-structured-literacy/

Q: Do I have dyslexia?

Here is an excellent self-assessment tool! https://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-test/

Q: Do you accept payment using Virginia Learning Acceleration Grant funds?