What is Master the Code
Master the Code (MTC) is a revolutionary “sound-to-code” reading program modeled after the process by which spoken language is first learned. Students are averaging over four years of reading skill improvement in less than five months. The program builds reading and spelling skills concurrently through techniques that train students to accurately recognize and understand letters and letter combinations, and the corresponding sounds of speech. The program aids individuals of all ages who struggle with reading, but is especially beneficial for student readers who have developed inefficient or inaccurate reading habits.
How it works
MTC is designed to integrate with and build upon the PACE cognitive skills enhancement program. Studies suggest that as many as 85% of students testing low on reading proficiency also have weak underlying cognitive skills, in particular, auditory processing skills.
MTC develops underlying skills
MTC students immediately begin to strengthen their auditory processing skills, the most critical skills required to read effectively. PACE and MTC both confront and correct cognitive skills weaknesses in students. Even if the reading code is taught completely and sequentially, a student who has a severe auditory processing deficiency, or other cognitive weaknesses, will complete lessons slowly or exhibit poor retention. When these skills are strengthened, students learn rapidly. MTC is designed to specifically remedy these significant problem areas. It works in conjunction with PACE to enhance these mental skills:
-Attention
-Auditory Analysis
-Memory (Short- and Long-Term)
-Processing Speed
-Sound Blending
-Sound Segmenting
-Visualization
-Working Memory
MTC is properly sequenced
MTC starts with blending, segmenting, and sound analysis. Nonsense words are used so students do not rely on their memory of known words. Students do not rely on their memory of known words. Students are trained to segment words into isolated phonemes and blend isolated sounds into words. Encoding (spelling) decoding (reading), and writing exercises are used to make the reversibility of the code clear.
Students who struggle to correctly pronounce and differentiate between all the sounds of standard English get more direct instruction at a sensory level about how parts of the mouth (jaw, teeth, tongue, lips, and vocal cords) interact based on individual sounds.
From the simple to the complex
MTC is both generally (in the overall layout) and specifically sequenced (in each individual category) for maximum effect.
Most probable to least probable
After a student learns the most probable spelling for each sound, the less probable, alternative spellings are taught from most likely to least likely. Through use and drill, the letter patterns and the probability of their appearance are stored in long-term memory rather than applied by unreliable usage rules.
Finally, learn the alternatives and overlaps — all without rule memorization
Additional complexities, such as overlaps of the code, are also taught. For example, the letter “u” can be involved in a number of different sounds: cut, full, cute, and ruin. Such overlaps often create problems when reading. Various exercises are utilized so quickly teach how letters overlap to various sounds as new vowel spellings are introduced. Compared to other approaches, the MTC method of handling alternative spellings and code overlap without memorizing rules reduces “sight words” by about 75%.
MTC uses a unique methodology
MTC embeds the standard English reading code to an automatic, subconcious level. This is in contrast to most programs that passively teach rules and lessons that are easily forgotten. This is beneficial for older readers who have developed poor reading habits, as well as younger students who are just learning to read.
Lasting Results
By using these unique techniques, and by making the sequence of the reading and spelling lessons agree with the logic of our alphabetic system, MTC training results in repair mastery and automation of reading and spelling.
