What Research Shows about using a private online reading tutor

In today’s digital age, more families are turning to private online reading tutors to support their children’s literacy development—and research shows that this approach can be highly effective. 

improved reading outcomes

Studies have consistently shown that one-on-one tutoring, whether in person or online, leads to significant gains in reading skills, especially for struggling readers. According to a 2020 review published by the What Works Clearinghouse, individualized reading instruction significantly improves phonemic awareness, fluency, comprehension, and overall literacy achievement in elementary students (WWC, 2020).

When delivered online, these benefits are still present. A 2022 study from Brown University found that students in grades 1–3 who received high-dosage virtual tutoring in reading made substantial gains in foundational literacy skills compared to peers who did not receive tutoring (Robinson et al., 2022).

why it works

Private online tutors can tailor instruction to a child’s specific needs using proven methods, such as:

• Phonics-based Instruction

• Response to Intervention or Multi-tiered System of Support

• Real-time Feedback and Progress Tracking

These approaches are aligned with the Science of Reading, a body of research that emphasizes systematic and explicit instruction in decoding, language comprehension, and vocabulary (Castles, Rastle, & Nation, 2018).

online delivery is effective

While some parents may be skeptical of screen-based learning, research supports its effectiveness when structured well. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness concluded that online tutoring, when delivered live and one-on-one, can match or exceed the impact of in-person interventions (Kraft et al., 2021). 

key takeaway

Private online reading tutoring offers personalized, evidence-based instruction that can significantly boost a child’s reading skills. With the right tutor and approach, online tutoring is not only convenient—it’s effective.

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