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Hierarchical Encoding for Reading Understanding

The Rodriguez Textarchial-Tagging Method (RTTM)

An Afrocentric approach to cognitive literacy development, integrating ancient wisdom with contemporary learning science to support reading comprehension excellence.

Our Mission

"HERU empowers learners through structured reading mastery, cultural excellence, and measurable academic growth."

A Black student reading with focused concentration

Every HERU learner begins by becoming a careful, confident reader.

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10 Cognitive Levels

Master reading comprehension through ten structured levels of cognitive development, from knowledge to relevance.

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Evidence-Based Method

Built on cognitive science and learning theory, aligned with cultural excellence and academic rigor.

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Personalized Growth

Track your progress, receive your R-IQ score, and witness your cognitive abilities flourish with each passage.

Rooted in Excellence

Cultural Foundations

HERU draws inspiration from the ancient African traditions of wisdom, learning, and cognitive excellence. The principle of Heru symbolizes restored awareness and the elevation of understanding. Our method guides students through structured pathways of the mind, supporting clarity, balance, and comprehension.

We honor the rich legacy of African intellectual traditions while integrating modern cognitive and learning science concepts—many of which trace their philosophical roots to early African knowledge systems—into a culturally responsive and engaging learning experience.

The RTTM Approach

The Rodriguez Text-Tagging Method provides a systematic framework for developing deep reading comprehension through ten cognitive levels, each building upon the prior.

From identifying the main idea to articulating complex arguments, students develop mastery at each level, tracked through measurable progress and R-IQ assessment.

Three Paths to Mastery

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Practice Mode

Focus on individual cognitive levels. Perfect your skills one level at a time with immediate feedback and guidance.

  • •Choose specific levels to practice
  • •Learn at your own pace
  • •Build confidence before assessment
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Assessment Mode

Complete all 10 levels sequentially to receive your Reading Text-Tagging Intelligence Quotient (R-IQ) score.

  • •Full cognitive assessment
  • •R-IQ score from 0-110
  • •Track your progress over time
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Cognitive Parallels

Understanding the Cognitive Architecture of Reading Comprehension.

  • •Cognitive pathway insights
  • •Time-based processing patterns
  • •Cognitive formula breakdowns

Ready to Transform Your Reading Comprehension?

Join students who are mastering cognitive literacy through the HERU platform.

The Beginning of the HERU Literacy Journey

HERU Foundations

Structured Literacy · Science of Reading · Grades 6–12

A comprehensive foundational reading platform that prepares students to enter the RTTM comprehension framework. Six sequential stages: Sound Awareness, Alphabet Mastery, Phonics, Word Building, Reading Fluency, and the Bridge to RTTM.

Ready to Play Interactive Reading Games?

Enter the AKUA portal and sharpen your skills through adaptive learning games.

The African STEEMA Intelligence

Explore KWABENA

An Afrocentric Science, Technology, Engineering, Economics, Mathematics, and Art curriculum rooted in African civilization.

College Readiness

Explore KWEKU

A comprehensive college readiness platform built on the RTTM cognitive foundation — six modules, timed exams, and evidence-based reasoning. built on the RTTM cognitive foundation — six modules, timed exams, and evidence-based reasoning.

Build Your Vocabulary

Practice vocabulary words from HERU & AKUA passages with AI-generated quizzes and instant feedback.

Included With Every Subscription

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.

HERU®, AKUA®, and KWEKU® are proprietary educational frameworks developed by Dr. Schandra K. Thompkins Rodriguez-Conti. All instructional logic, game mechanics, and methodologies are protected intellectual property. © All rights reserved. The LeoLab, LLC.  Platform Disclosure