When Martell, an 8th grader with a love for video games and science, first started tutoring, his reading challenges were significant. Despite receiving special education support, his reading fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension were stuck at a 4th-grade level. After years of limited progress, Martell needed a fresh approach. In just four months, personalized strategies helped him jump a grade level in reading—and he’s still improving! With a combination of targeted methods, Martell experienced not only academic growth but also how his reading improved focus, transforming his entire approach to learning.

Initial Challenges

Martell was a bright student with a passion for science, but reading was a struggle. He could read

complex words without understanding them, and his reading speed was so fast that it made

comprehension nearly impossible. Martell also performed poorly on district and statewide assessments,

and he didn’t benefit from the school’s computerized remediation program for reading. With little

progress in his Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals, Martell and his family were looking for new

ways to help him.

Tutoring Approach

We started by addressing Martell’s fluency. Using audio recordings, Martell could hear just how quickly

he was reading—and how much he was missing. By listening to himself, he realized the importance of

slowing down and began to consciously adjust his reading speed.

Next, we worked on vocabulary. Martell could read 8th-grade-level words, but he didn’t know many of

their meanings. We used vocabulary strategies like previewing the text and using context clues or an

electronic dictionary to uncover the definitions of unfamiliar words. He learned the importance of slowing

down and taking the time to look up words, using the extended time accommodations in his IEP to his

advantage.

Finally, we tackled comprehension using high-interest articles on topics like science, his favorite subject.

Martell chose materials he was excited about, and we incorporated strategies like reviewing vocabulary,

exploring text features, and summarizing after each section. These techniques helped him deeply

engage with the text instead of rushing through it.

Progress and Results

Martell’s progress has been remarkable. After just four months, his reading level improved by an entire

grade, from 4th to 5th grade. He now scores between 80% and 100% on comprehension quizzes, up

from just 60%. Beyond his growing comprehension skills, Martell has also learned to manage his

reading pace and appreciate the extended time he’s given.

At school, Martell’s teachers noticed the difference. He’s no longer the first to rush through his work,

and his overall reading performance has improved. Both Martell and his family are thrilled with his

growth, and they’re optimistic about what lies ahead.

Martell’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right strategies, even the most challenging reading

obstacles can be overcome. By slowing down, building his vocabulary, and working on comprehension

through topics he loves, Martell has made incredible strides—and he’s only getting started. His journey

illustrates how reading improved focus can be a game-changer, not only in academics but in fostering

lifelong skills for success.