ReadingRX:

Online Literacy Tutoring

Dr. Valarie Algee

Literacy is a prescription for life success.

Welcome

My Services

I provide individualized, online tutoring via Zoom for children in Grades K-6 that focuses on improving literacy skills. I address the five pillars of reading, including phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing. I also offer assessment and consultation.

I use explicit, systematic, diagnostic instruction to help students reach their full potential. I am well-versed in structured, evidence-based literacy instruction and the science of learning.

No, I do not follow a specific program or curriculum but individualize completely, using experience and expertise to make research-guided decisions tailored to each student.

Assessment

Assessment is the first step towards providing effective literacy intervention. I use a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to identify your child's strengths and weaknesses. I examine phonemic awareness, phonics, word identification, decoding, encoding, fluency, and comprehension. I email a full description of assessment results to caregivers to ensure everyone is on the same page towards achieving success!

* Note: I do not provide a formal Dyslexia diagnosis, although the information I provide can support a diagnosis, as well appropriate instruction and accommodations.

Tutoring

I offer synchronous, 1:1 online instruction via Zoom. My systematic, explicit, and diagnostic instruction is individualized for each student. My methods are consistent with the latest research on the science of reading and learning. I address phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension, as well as writing, to help students master new skills and overcome challenges.

Consultation/Advocacy

I believe in collaboration and consistency when it comes to supporting your child's literacy development. That’s why I offer consultations with other professionals working with your child, including administrators, teachers, and IEP/504 teams. I will advocate for your child’s needs and provide the collaborative support necessary for their full academic success. (For tutoring clients only)

services

Pricing

I offer assessment, tutoring, and consultation/advocacy.

Payments are accepted via Zelle prior to services rendered.

Tutoring services are to be scheduled and paid for at the beginning of each month.

Assessment

$300

Full, initial assessment including comprehensive, detailed write-up of results emailed to caregivers

Tutoring

1 hour session = $150

45 minute session = $120

30 minute session = $80

* Initial assessment required prior to beginning tutoring

*At least 2 sessions/week recommended for optimal results

* See tutoring contract for more details

Consultation/Advocacy

TBD

pricing

20% of students, or 1/5, have a form of Dyslexia. Early identification followed by consistent, intensive instruction using a structured literacy approach is the most effective treatment.

Here are some excellent and reliable resources for supporting students with reading and writing difficulties and Dyslexia:

International Dyslexia Association

https://dyslexiaida.org

Dyslexia Resource Center

https://www.dyslexiasc.org

Understood

https://www.understood.org/en

Child Mind Institute

https://childmind.org/article/understanding-dyslexia/

Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz

Dyslexia Advocate: How to Advocate for a Child with Dyslexia in the Public School System by Kelli Sandman-Hurley

resources

About Me

Valarie Algee, Ed.D., M.Ed.

535AEE05-1AEA-4CE3-8407-53676644A945_1_201_a.heic

I began teaching in 1994. I have worked as an elementary classroom teacher, a district literacy coach, a learning specialist, a curriculum developer, and a college instructor in both public and private sectors in Reno, Los Angeles, New York City, and San Francisco. In addition to teaching, I have trained teachers, presented at national conferences, and published peer-reviewed articles on education. I enjoy reading, practicing yoga, traveling, and playing with my dog in my free time.

I began private tutoring for literacy intervention in 2007 when I was expecting my first child and have continued while raising all three of our children, who are now in middle and high school. I began tutoring face-to-face but have transitioned fully and successfully to online tutoring. My doctoral dissertation was even focused on online tutoring for literacy intervention!

I specialize in teaching students who struggle with reading and spelling, with or without an official Dyslexia diagnosis. I am trained in, among other things, Orton-Gillingham, Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS), and the science of learning/neurodevelopmental learning framework through All Kinds of Minds. I passed the International Dyslexia Association’s Knowledge and Practice Examination of Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI) test.

I hold a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in curriculum and instruction, a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in elementary education, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English literature. I hold a current teaching credential in California. I am passionate about literacy and education.

Additional Training

The Reading First Program
All Kinds of Minds Cognitive Constructs
Thinking Maps
Open Court Reading (OCR)
California Early Literacy Learning (CELL)
Amplify Reading
Orton-Gillingham
Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading & Spelling (LETRS)
The Writing Revolution
Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD)

about me

What Clients Have to Say

I am proud to have helped many students improve their reading and writing skills. Here are some testimonials from clients:

“We can't thank Valarie enough for the incredible impact she made on our son's education. She was his tutor during his elementary school years and her guidance was instrumental in laying a strong foundation for his academic journey. Thanks to her patience and ability to tailor her teaching to his unique needs, my son not only excelled in his early years, but now has successfully transitioned to college with confidence. Valarie played a vital role in his educational growth and we are forever grateful for her dedication.”

Diane, Parent, NYC

ReadingRX: Online Literacy Tutoring Dr. Valarie Algee