Question 1

What is the science of reading and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

The Reading League defines the science of reading as "a vast, interdisciplinary body of scientifically-based research about reading and issues related to reading and writing."  Researchers from fields of cognitive science, psychology, neurobiology, education, and implementation science are contributing to our developing understanding and knowledge of the brain processes necessary for reading, the reasons for reading struggle, and how to teach reading best.

The science of reading is important because it helps teachers use practices that are more likely to be effective. For too long teachers taught in ways that may have worked for some readers but failed for too many.  The science of reading shows us what to teach, how to teach it, and why it works.

The term structured literacy is often used synonymously with science of reading.  Structured literacy focuses instruction on the explicit use of letter-sound knowledge to read. Key tenants are: instruction that is systematic, cumulative and sequential, providing opportunities for practice, having high levels of interaction between the teacher and students, giving corrective feedback, instruction that is data-informed, and tailoring instruction to the needs of the learner.

Question 2

How much does tutoring cost?

Accepted Answer

You can choose 2-4 sessions a week. Most families choose to work with a tutor who has been trained in scripted evidence-based programs and is closely supervised during their work. Session rates depend on how many weekly sessions you have signed up for and can range from $55 to $65.  These rates are inclusive of the initial assessment of your child, check-in meetings about progress, and all materials needed for the program (workbooks, letter tiles, etc.)  Rates are higher for tutoring provided by an interventionist with national accreditation from the International Dyslexia Association.  If tutoring costs are prohibitive and your child needs support, please reach out for a conversation. We want every student to be supported and will do our best to make options affordable.

Question 3

Why is 2 the minimum number of sessions a week you offer?

Accepted Answer

At Spark Literacy we follow the science.  Research shows that students who are behind make gains when taught with an evidence-based program (one that teaches phonics explicitly and introduces elements systematically) and when the program is used with fidelity.  That means that teachers and tutors must follow the program as it was written, and the programs that work were designed for 3-5 sessions a week.  To do it less frequently would be wasting your child's time and your money.

Students who are close to grade level but who would benefit from support could be well served with 2 sessions a week. However,  students who are below or well below grade level expectations typically need 3 sessions a week to see real gains.

If three or four live tutoring sessions per week does not fit your schedule, you may opt to have us design computer-based learning  that can be done asynchronously to replace a live session.

Our model is designed to make this dosage of tutoring affordable for many families.

Question 4

What evidence-based programs do you use?

Accepted Answer

At Spark Literacy our tutors are trained in several effective intervention programs, and we help match the student to the program where they are most likely to make gains. SPIRE (Specialized Program Individualizing Reading Excellence), PAF (Preventing Academic Failure), PALS (Peer Assisted Learning Strategies), and REWARDS are several of the programs that we use. Find out more about these in our Resources tab.

Question 5

Who provides the services?

Accepted Answer

Research on effective tutoring has shown that the bond between tutor and student is crucial. For that reason, Spark Literacy carefully vets college students or young teachers who will be great tutors.  Spark Literacy Tutors go through a carefully designed training program where they learn about the science of reading and are explicitly trained in an evidence-based program that they will use with your child. Tutors are supervised through observation of sessions and on-going case management.

In addition to the tutoring, your child will be assessed and your child's learning will be managed by an expert reading specialist who has many years of service teaching students from K to 12th grade how to read.

There are a limited number of tutoring spots for work with a CERI-certified dyslexia interventionist or a certified teacher.  These experienced professionals follow the same format and program as our Spark Literacy Tutors: having matched the program to the student need, they follow the program with fidelity, modifying instruction to match the pace and intensity the student needs to be successful.

You will be in good hands!

Question 6

Do you have special programs for the summer?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  Summer is a great time for literacy.  For students who need a boost for the next year, our tutors can provide excellent support.  And for students who just need a little attention on their reading skills and habits so they don't lose skills over the summer, tutoring can be an easy fix.  Most importantly, summer is flexible to meet your child's needs and your schedule.  Contact us to begin a conversation!

Question 7

What if my child is too busy for 3 or 4 sessions a week?

Accepted Answer

It is important to remember that frequent tutoring sessions are shown to be highly effective. We do not recommend that students who are not on grade level do fewer than 3 sessions a week. We are able to use weekend time to schedule sessions, which can help with the burden of busy after school hours.

But for families who are interested and need support for their child but can't find time to synch up with a tutor for a session, or for families looking for practice to supplement the tutoring,  it may be possible to swap a live tutoring session with a prescribed series of independent practice. This practice will be assigned by a reading specialist and based on your child's need.  The practice is gamified and results from the games are fed directly into the tutor's portal so we can see what skills your student is mastering and where they still struggle.

Question 8

What if my child needs help with writing?

Accepted Answer

We can support your child to learn to be a confident and expressive writer also. We use the same strategy:  assess your child's needs and strengths as a writer, use an instructional program that is evidence-based and proven to work, monitor progress and communicate clearly.

FAQ

To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable spelled out is a spark.

--Victor Hugo