Carole Richards

In a world where literacy remains one of the most crucial foundations for opportunity, Carole Richards is leading a transformative movement to change lives through education. Her mission stems from a stark reality: millions of children globally are struggling to read and speak English, a language that remains the gateway to education, employment, and empowerment. Even in English-speaking nations like the United States, literacy is in alarming decline. Studies reveal that nearly half of U.S. adults read below a 6th-grade level, and national assessments show that reading scores for 4th and 8th graders have consistently dropped over the past three decades. Not once in that period has either grade reached what is considered a proficient level in reading. These figures do more than highlight an educational gap, they represent real people held back by limited access to one of life’s most essential skills.

Motivated by this crisis, Carole Richards founded Richards Learning Systems® over thirty years ago, a revolutionary program that takes a multisensory approach to literacy. By integrating touch and muscle movement with sight and sound, this method does more than teach reading; it rewires how individuals process and retain language. This approach has proven especially effective for children and adults with learning challenges such as dyslexia, ADHD, and other barriers that traditional teaching methods often overlook. The result is a generation of learners who not only decode written words but also develop confidence in speaking English.

Driven by a relentless passion to scale her impact, Carole introduced “Sammy and the Magical Reading Chest,” a forward-thinking innovation that makes Richards Learning Systems® accessible across borders and educational environments. The program’s transition from in-person teacher training to a structured video format makes it significantly more scalable. What sets it apart is its ability to simultaneously train both the student and their parent or teacher, a key advantage in underserved areas where access to qualified educators is limited.

The format is not only instructional but also delightfully engaging. With the creative use of puppets, animated visuals, and real children, the content becomes age-appropriate and fun, encouraging consistent engagement and improving learning outcomes. By guiding students step by step from phonics to advanced vocabulary, the system fosters comprehensive reading and pronunciation skills that are essential for academic and professional success.

Carole Richards’ innovation holds powerful global relevance. In regions like Africa, India, and Southeast Asia, where English proficiency can dramatically improve access to higher education and economic mobility, this approach offers a scalable, culturally adaptable solution. Its potential to uplift communities through literacy is profound, reinforcing Carole’s lifelong belief that the ability to read and speak English is not just an educational tool but a fundamental right.

Through decades of dedication and a forward-thinking vision, Carole Richards has created more than just a reading program, she has launched a global movement. Her work continues to break barriers, redefine how literacy is taught, and bring hope to thousands seeking a better future through language.