North Coast Tutoring Services

Program Overview

We are the reading experts. We offer, Richards Learning Systems, a research-based multi-sensory systematic reading program based on Orton Gillingham. The program is offered for pre-k through adult one-on-one. We offer a video lesson program where a parent and child or teacher and student(s) are trained as the student learns to read.

The program is called Sammy and the Magical Reading Chest where puppets and animation teach the three children in the videos. Designed for Pre-k through grade 2. Watch the pilot episode of "Sammy". www.richardslearningsystems.com

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

NOTE: Today, Richards Learning Systems video series, Sammy and the Magical Reading Chest makes what David received affordable to all families. www.richardslearningsystems.com Watch sample videos on the website.

David's Story – A Richards Learning System Success Story

Twenty+ years ago, a wealthy businessman came to my office. His plea, “If you can only teach my son to read!" His son, David, was 15 years old and in the eighth grade (two years behind in school.) He had attended special education classes his entire life. And when I reviewed his test scores from the school psychologist's report, it showed David had 2nd to 3rd grade level academic skills. He couldn't read, spell, write or even subtract at more than the most basic level.

David's first grade teacher had told his parents he would never learn to read. I find that particularly troubling that a teacher would close the door to his learning at age 6. David was so frustrated and dejected with his failure that he didn't help at home. He didn't go outside very often and participate with friends or family in much of anything. David had given up on himself.

Well, fortunately the family could afford to seek additional help. And, they hadn't given up on David. We pulled David out of his public school for two years. He was enrolled at Clonlara School in Michigan that works with home school families. He received high school credits for his courses during those two years of high school while we remediated David's missing skills. And, his confidence grew. His tutor, Yvonne, focused on the reading skills at first. She taught him how words were constructed so he could read and spell better. She even played basketball with him on occasion to get him out of his house … out of his shell.

Fast forward those two years. His family moved and David enrolled in a new competitive suburban public high school. The school psychologist retested him at our request. He had gained five years in all his academic achievement areas. And his reading comprehension had sky rocketed to the COLLEGE LEVEL in those two short years. David found out he wasn't stupid! In fact, in some areas, he was gifted.

David graduated with honors from his high school. He attended a community college for one year and then transferred to a four year liberal arts college. He graduated on time with his class with better than a 3.4 grade point average. After being isolated for so long, he joined every club that interested him in college.

David's finished law school and is a practicing attorney. His dad had asked, “Can you just teach my son to read?" David would no longer need to do manual labor for his family's company. In fact, some day he may just run it.

How many millions of David's are there out there? We spend billions of dollars to educate our children. While David was certainly the lucky one, he had a family that could seek private help. However, imagine if we could bring these reading techniques to our students in our schools. Then millions of “Davids" (without a wealthy family) could be productive confident US citizens. All "Davids" Need Your Support!