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.

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.

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!