Spark Literacy
Tutoring for Children &
Support for Familes
To learn to read is to light a fire. Every syllable spelled out is a spark.
-Victor Hugo
A more affordable and effective solution for tutoring
The Spark Literacy model is based on research that shows that the best outcomes for students occur when instructors use evidence-based programs delivered frequently.
At Spark Literacy this means:
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you pay monthly and choose either 3 or 4 40-minute sessions a week
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tutoring sessions are virtual and scheduled to fit your life
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tutors use evidence-based programs based on the science of reading and proven to be highly effective
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working with your child begins with an evaluation by an expert reading specialist & the design of an instructional program to meet your child's needs
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the reading specialist & tutor meet with you once a month for on-going checks on progress and adjustment to the program if necessary
The goal of Spark Literacy is to change the way struggling readers get help by keeping costs to families down while ensuring high quality support is available.
Why Choose Spark Literacy?
Expertise
I started Spark Literacy to bring the best practices of reading instruction to families directly. I am an educator with over 30 years of experience, am certified by the International Dyslexia Association, and am trained in many excellent programs! I have been a teacher, tutor and reading specialist; designed the reading intervention programs for many schools as an intervention coordinator; and now am the Director of Literacy Interventions in the Special Education Department for NYC Public Schools. I know what works and how to provide it to struggling readers. I get to know what your child needs and work with you to develop an instructional plan. I hire, train, and directly supervise tutors who will be engaging and exciting to work with. And I meet with you monthly to check on how things are going -- using data from the sessions and your input.
Effectiveness
Parents of struggling readers often stretch their budget to have their child tutored once a week by a tutor who may or may not be using effective strategies. Our model for tutoring is more effective because we follow the science -- delivering on-line sessions much more often and using scripted programs aligned to structured literacy principles. We also provide all the materials needed for the program, so there are no additional costs.
In addition, parents can choose to learn our methods and work with their child themselves. We can teach you a program that will work and support you along the way as your child's tutor.
Flexibility
In addition to our standard model for tutoring, Spark Literacy offers flexible options. These include:
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training parents or caregivers as tutors
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providing a la carte classes on topics of interest such as understanding the science of reading, ways to support students at home, the importance of oral language development for young children, how to get help from your school
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expert consultation that includes an evaluation of your child's reading strengths and needs and answers to your specific questions
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training for your child's important caregivers to better support out of school literacy development
