Reading & Literacy Tutoring Services

Debbie Sexton offers personalized 1-on-1 reading and literacy instruction grounded in evidence-based practices. Sessions run 60 minutes online or in-person.

Early Literacy (K-3)

Foundational reading instruction following structured-literacy and science-of-reading principles: phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, fluency, and early comprehension. LETRS- and UFLI-aligned.

Struggling Readers (Any Grade)

Targeted intervention for students reading below grade level. Diagnostic-first approach: Debbie identifies the specific gaps, then builds a UFLI-informed plan to close them.

Dyslexia & Reading-Based Learning Differences

Multisensory, Orton-Gillingham informed instruction. Particularly valuable for students with a dyslexia diagnosis, 504/IEP for reading, or who haven’t responded to mainstream phonics instruction.

Reading Comprehension & Vocabulary (Upper Grades)

For middle and high school students: comprehension of complex texts, vocabulary in context, analyzing literature and informational texts.

Writing Support (Reading-Adjacent)

Essay structure, grammar, mechanics, and writing for high-stakes contexts (AP English, college application essays). Often integrated naturally with reading work.

Student practicing writing

Other Subjects (Case-by-Case)

Debbie’s primary focus is literacy and reading. Support outside that — math, study skills, executive function — is evaluated case-by-case during the free consultation. If it’s a fit, she’ll let you know. If not, she’ll point you to someone who can help.

What every plan includes

  • Free 20-minute consultation before you commit
  • Custom learning plan built around your student’s actual gaps and goals
  • Evidence-based methods (LETRS, UFLI, structured literacy)
  • Multisensory teaching with immediate feedback
  • Progress notes after every session
  • No locked-in packages — flexible scheduling, cancel anytime

Book a Free Consult   Call (503) 809-4120

Every child’s needs are different, so I offer focused support across several areas. For families navigating a diagnosis I provide dyslexia tutoring for the Portland area, while younger learners benefit from early-literacy tutoring for grades K–3. Older students can get help through reading and writing tutoring for K–12. As a LETRS-trained reading specialist I ground every session in the science of reading, and for families anywhere in the state I also offer convenient online tutoring across Oregon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of reading help do you offer?

One-on-one support for struggling and reluctant readers, dyslexia, early literacy (K-3), and reading comprehension and writing for K-12 — all grounded in the science of reading.

Do you tutor online or in person?

Both — in person around Gresham and the Portland metro, or live online anywhere in Oregon.

How do we get started?

Book a free 20-minute consultation by calling or texting (503) 809-4120. We’ll talk through your child’s needs and set a schedule that fits.


North Star Tutoring
Reading & Dyslexia Tutoring · Serving Gresham & East Portland, OR
Call or text (503) 809-4120
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