About HERU
Hierarchical Encoding for Reading Understanding
A culturally rooted, cognitively rigorous framework for developing deep reading comprehension through the Rodriguez Text-Tagging Method (RTTM).
Our Mission Statement
"HERU empowers learners through structured reading mastery, cultural excellence, and measurable academic growth."
Our Focus
HERU exists to elevate reading comprehension through a structured, culturally affirming methodology that honors the intellectual traditions of the African diaspora while meeting the academic demands of contemporary education. We empower students to move beyond surface-level reading into deep, hierarchical cognitive engagement with text.
Our Vision
We envision a world where every student — especially those from underserved communities — has access to evidence-based literacy tools that affirm their cultural identity while building measurable cognitive skills. HERU aims to close the literacy gap through personalized, research-driven instruction.
Developed By
Dr. Schandra K. Thompkins Rodriguez-Conti
Creator of the Rodriguez Text-Tagging Method (RTTM) and founder of the HERU Platform. Dr. Rodriguez-Conti developed the HERU framework to bridge the gap between cognitive science, Afrocentric pedagogy, and measurable reading achievement. Her work integrates ancient wisdom with modern learning science to produce culturally responsive, results-driven literacy instruction.
Dr. Thompkins Rodriguez-Conti developed the RTTM as a response to High School English teachers who demonstrated a need to assist students in "finding the Main Idea in a reading passage." The only directions teachers offered students, were to simply read the passage and come-up with a central idea. This approach was ineffective. Dr. Thompkins Rodriguez-Conti observed her father, Leo Thompkins a math instructor, as he explained the usefulness of math formulas. She converted the math formula concept to a literary structure for reading. The RTTM was developed in 2001, six years after the sudden death of her father. Now the RTTM serves as the model for literary formulas and it serves to honor her father Leo Thompkins, the math mathematician.
What is HERU
HERU is an innovative literacy and learning platform designed to strengthen reading comprehension, critical thinking, and academic confidence through a structured system called the Rodriguez Text-Tagging Method (RTTM), also known as Reading Through The Mind. HERU teaches students how to identify main ideas, themes, cause-and-effect relationships, comparisons, symbolism, author's purpose, evidence, and articulation through step-by-step cognitive reading strategies that make complex texts easier to understand. Built for students, parents, teachers, homeschool networks, and schools, HERU combines culturally grounded content, engaging learning tools, and progress-based instruction to help learners become stronger readers while developing independent thinking skills across all subject areas.
The RTTM Methodology
The Rodriguez Text-Tagging Method (RTTM) organizes reading comprehension into 10 hierarchical cognitive levels, each building on the last — from foundational knowledge to complex articulation.
Main Idea
Knowledge
Theme
Comprehension
Cause & Effect
Application
Compare
Analysis (a)
Contrast
Analysis (b)
Symbols
Synthesis
Student Judgment
Evaluation (a)
Author's Purpose
Evaluation (b)
Proof
Relevance (a)
Articulation
Relevance (b)
Support & Training
HERU is more than a product — it is a fully supported learning system. Every subscriber receives comprehensive onboarding, ongoing guidance, and direct access to our support resources.
Parent Onboarding Assistance
Help setting up accounts, linking children to your parent profile, and navigating your dashboard with confidence.
Teacher Setup Training
Assistance creating classes, adding students, assigning activities, and using progress reports effectively.
Student Access Help
Login assistance, subscription access support, and orientation to all learning tools on the platform.
Live Bot Support (Kojo)
Instant answers for common questions regarding subscriptions, platform navigation, and how to use HERU tools.
Video Tutorials
Short training videos showing how to use HERU, AKUA, KWEKU, the Library, and KWABENA step by step.
Email & Message Support
Direct help for technical issues, account concerns, and any questions that need a personal response from our team.
Curriculum Guidance
Recommendations on how to use HERU for homeschool, tutoring, reading intervention, or full classroom instruction.
Progress Understanding
Help interpreting student scores, growth trends, and reading development data so you know exactly how learners are advancing.
Updates & New Features Training
Ongoing guidance whenever new tools or features are added to the HERU platform — you are never left behind.
Premium Consultation Option
Optional one-on-one implementation coaching for schools, homeschool groups, or organizations needing deeper support.
Support resources are continuously updated. All subscribers are notified when new training materials are available.