Oscar was quiet when he logged into his first OnYourMark session—a hesitant kindergartener reading at the 11th percentile, wondering if he'd done something wrong to be "pulled out" of class. By year's end, he was reading at the 68th percentile with 92% session attendance, eagerly logging in to see tutors who had become his champions.
This is Oscar's story. But more than that, it's proof that struggling readers don't just need good curriculum—they need adults who see their potential and refuse to let them give up on themselves.
From Confusion to Confidence: Natalia Sees Oscar’s Light
Oscar began his literacy journey eager to show off his reading abilities—confident and excited to demonstrate what he could do. His fall tutor, Natalia, quickly discovered why he'd been enrolled in OnYourMark tutoring: confusion with vowel sounds, a common challenge for Spanish-speaking students that was holding back his otherwise enthusiastic approach to reading.
But Natalia didn't see a deficit. She saw a key to unlock his potential.
Through patient, targeted instruction grounded in the Science of Reading, she began addressing Oscar's vowel confusion systematically. More importantly, she built the relationship that made him feel safe to struggle, practice, and grow.
The transformation was remarkable. Oscar stopped seeing himself as a student who was "pulled out" and started becoming an enthusiastic learner, excited to log in. His motivation became contagious.
Natalia's secret? She began challenging Oscar to take on the role of "teacher" during sessions—empowering him and cementing his growing confidence. He wasn't just learning to read; he was becoming a leader in his own learning journey.
A Shared Connection: Susy Celebrates the Whole Child
After a successful fall semester, Oscar continued his progress in the spring with Susy, a bilingual tutor who would create an even deeper connection.
During one session, Oscar's eyes lit up as he excitedly shared about having tacos de lengua at a family gathering. For Susy, this moment was profound.
She remembered being told as a child that her favorite food—beans—wasn't something she should share publicly. She had learned to suppress parts of her true self. Seeing Oscar's uninhibited excitement about his culture and family traditions reinforced what she already knew was so important: celebrating every part of him—his language, his heritage, his interests.
This shared cultural connection built deeper trust, and Oscar's enthusiasm soared. He didn't just have a tutor who could teach him to read; he had a partner who saw and valued his complete identity.
Susy's sessions ended not with recitations of academic progress, but with genuine connection: "Wow. I can't believe how fast our time together went. I am really going to miss you."
Instead of focusing only on assessment scores, she focused on their relationship. This simple gesture showed Oscar—and shows all OnYourMark students—that they're valued as whole people, not just data points.
The Results That Matter Most
The academic growth was extraordinary...
Oscar's reading proficiency soared from the 11th percentile to the 68th percentile—a gain that positioned him for continued success.
...but the relationship was the foundation.
His 92% attendance rate reflected genuine engagement. Oscar attended sessions because he wanted to be there. And that’s because he felt seen and supported by tutors who believed in him.
When his final session arrived, it was bittersweet. Oscar was ready to move forward, equipped not just with reading skills but with confidence in his ability to tackle new challenges. The bonds he'd formed with both Natalia and Susy had given him something even more valuable than improved test scores—the knowledge that caring adults believed in his potential.
What Oscar's Story Teaches Us
Precision instruction matters—but relationships make it stick.
Oscar's success required both the systematic, Science of Reading-based curriculum that addressed his specific needs and the authentic connections that made him feel safe to grow.
Cultural responsiveness accelerates learning.
Natalia's quick understanding of the vowel confusion common among Spanish-speaking learners allowed her to address Oscar's specific needs immediately.
Susy's shared heritage and understanding of Oscar's experience created trust that transcended language barriers and academic challenges.
High expectations paired with high support create transformation.
Both tutors challenged Oscar to grow while providing the emotional safety net that made risk-taking possible.
Attendance follows engagement.
When students feel genuinely connected to caring adults, they show up—physically and emotionally ready to learn.
Why Relationships Are Non-Negotiable
Oscar's journey illustrates why OnYourMark's approach to high-impact tutoring works: we understand that struggling readers need more than good curriculum. They need tutors who are expertly trained not just in literacy instruction, but in building the authentic relationships that make learning possible.
Our tutors aren't just delivering lessons—they're building connections that ignite confidence and accelerate growth.
- They see potential where others see deficits
- They celebrate students' complete identities, not just academic achievements
- They create emotional safety that enables academic risk-taking
- They maintain high expectations while providing unwavering support
This is why 76% of OnYourMark students voluntarily attend 3+ sessions per week. Like Oscar, they're not going because they have to—they're going because they want to connect with tutors who genuinely care about their success.
Your Students Deserve Oscar's Story
Every struggling reader in your building has the potential for Oscar's transformation. They need systematic, Science of Reading-based instruction delivered by tutors who understand that relationships and learning are inseparable.
OnYourMark tutors are rigorously selected (1 in 10 acceptance rate) and extensively trained (22+ hours pre-service), not just in literacy instruction, but in building the authentic connections that make struggling readers believe in themselves.
Your students deserve tutors who will see their light, celebrate their culture, challenge their thinking, and refuse to give up on their potential.
They deserve the chance to write their own version of Oscar's story.
OnYourMark Education partners with schools to provide high-impact literacy tutoring that combines evidence-based instruction with a relationship-centered approach. Our expertly trained tutors work with struggling readers to build both skills and confidence. Learn how we can support your students' literacy journey. Contact us today.
