Many parents and grandparents contact Reading Success Learning Center to get information about hiring a private tutor. Our response is always the same. “We are not tutors. We are Reading/Literacy Specialists.” Then we explain the difference.
Tutors are usually state certified teachers with a college degree in education or in a specific content area and some may even have reading endorsement. However, tutors can also be teacher aides, college students or high school students. Tutors work with students to complete assignments, to clarify concepts, to provide practice in a specific skill and to prepare for tests. They meet at your house, at their house, in libraries or in learning centers. They charge $25-$75 per hour.
Reading Specialists earn a Master’s Degree or Doctorate in Reading and/or Literacy. They also receive extensive training in clinical practicums to sharpen their skills in diagnosing reading difficulties, identifying causes of reading confusions, designing individual intervention plans and teaching disabled and accelerated readers.
Reading Specialists are proficient in matching student’s individual needs with appropriate reading material and targeted instruction. They are highly skilled in motivating students and in working with parents and educators to ensure that students receive reading support at home and differentiated instruction in school.
After completing a diagnostic assessment, an effective Reading Specialist will provide a written report highlighting strengths and weaknesses and will include suggestions for instruction. Fees vary based on the number and type of tests needed. Reading Specialists also provide support for families at school meetings.
Reading Specialists usually meet with students in professional offices or learning centers. They teach skills and strategies for reading, writing, vocabulary, listening, speaking, critical thinking, studying and organization. Fees are based upon the services provided and the credentials of the Reading Specialist with individual lessons starting around $50 per hour. Group lessons may also be available at a reduced rate.How Do You Determine If You Need a Reading/Literacy Specialist?
Consult with a Reading/Literacy Specialist when any of the following conditions exist:
- Instructional reading level is one year (or more) below grade expectation
- Basic phonics is not mastered by the end of 1st grade
- Word substitution that does not make sense
- Limited sight words
- Inadequate vocabulary
- Lack of reading fluency
- Little or no comprehension
- No retention of information
- Frustration with (or avoidance of) reading/writing tasks
- Struggling with reading and/or writing for several years
- Private tutoring has not improved performance
- School interventions have not been successful
- Poor grades in content area classes
- Lack of study skills and/or organizational skills
- Grade retention is being considered
- Inability to pass state tests
- An accelerated reader needs more challenging instruction
If you notice any of the conditions listed above call Reading Success Learning Center at 772-905-8957 for a free, no obligation consultation.
Reading Success Learning Center provides individual instruction in Pre-Reading Skills, Reading Fluency, Comprehension Strategies, Vocabulary, Writing, Critical Thinking and Study Skills for students K-12. All of our services are delivered by experienced Reading Specialists and Certified Teachers in a risk-free learning environment. For more information call Camille Aloi at 772-905-8957.
Reading Success Learning Center provides individual instruction in Pre-Reading Skills, Reading Fluency, Comprehension Strategies, Vocabulary, Writing, Critical Thinking and Study Skills for students K-12. All of our services are delivered by experienced Reading Specialists and Certified Teachers in a risk-free learning environment. For more information call Camille Aloi at 772-905-8957.
Camille Aloi, owner of Reading Success Learning Center in Palm City, holds a Master of Science in Education & Reading. Mrs. Aloi has 21 years of experience in New York and Florida successfully setting structures in place to ensure Student Achievement and to promote School Improvement.
For additional information, view Mrs. Aloi’s LinkedIn Profile, Reading Success Learning Center’s Facebook page, or our website at www.reading-success.com.RETURN TO THIS ISSUE'S HOME PAGE
