Rocky Mountain Conference Strives to Transform Literacy across Region

This year marks the fourth year of dedication to transforming literacy in the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) in the United States. More than half of the RMC elementary schools are participating in monthly reading professional-development activities.

Trish Martin, a speech pathologist and founder and president of Neuroplasticity and Education United (NEU), spearheaded the training. She has created successful integration of techniques of rewiring the brain with daily literacy instruction. Elements of the program include “Unlocking the Reading Code,” “Grammar Code,” “Spelling Code,” and “Writing Code.”

Monthly training sessions have equipped teachers with research-based practices that are designed to enhance student outcomes in reading, setting the stage for academic success across all subjects. Martin’s systematic instruction and decoding skills ensure students gain a deep understanding of how written language works. In a world where literacy is key to lifelong learning, this program aims to address the reading needs of every student, from those struggling with decoding to those looking to enhance their fluency and comprehension.

When “Unlocking the Code” was first launched, the pandemic emerged and required all training to switch to monthly video-conference sessions. Beginning last spring, some training was transitioned to in-person sessions, and educators had two days of training in August before school began with Trish Martin and her colleague, Teresa Snoap.

The latest training session, held at Vista Ridge Academy (VRA) in Erie, Colorado, on October 14, included 25 educators from eight RMC schools. Martin and Snoap again led sessions emphasizing the importance of intentionality with literacy.

As the teachers gathered at VRA, the atmosphere was one of collaboration and growth. Kari Lange, vice principal and K-2 teacher at HMS Richards Adventist School in Loveland, Colorado, was invited to share about the impact of the program in her classroom.

Based on a recommendation last year from Martin, Lange rearranged her class schedule to focus on literacy. “This program has been a game-changer for my students,” Lange said. “I’ve seen noticeable progress, especially in students who were previously struggling. They’re now more confident readers.”

The long-term commitment to this initiative is showing results. Educators like Lange are reporting improvements in student reading scores and overall literacy engagement. The focus on decoding and phonics has been particularly beneficial for young learners, setting a strong foundation for future academic achievement.

Trish Martin’s involvement has been instrumental in shaping the success of this program. Her approach is brain-based and data-driven but with a personal touch that resonates with teachers and students alike. As she continues to provide guidance through regular professional development sessions, the goal remains the same: to unlock every child’s potential through the power of reading.

Looking ahead, leaders of schools within the RMC are excited to see even more growth. The dedication of our educators, coupled with the strength of the “Unlocking the Reading Code” program, is a promising combination for fostering literacy across the conference.The original version of this commentary was posted on the Rocky Mountain Conference news site