Raising standards of foundational literacy in the English language is a team affair – and an international team at that. Within that bigger team, however, there are some stand-out individuals who understand the issues which continue to hold back research-informed reading instruction and who go the extra mile to do something about it. Pioneers work very hard to become well-informed themselves, and then to challenge as necessary – and pass on information to others through various routes.
Primary teacher Rob Randel is one such exceptional person. I’ve had the privilege to meet him in person during the very first researchEDCymru conference which was held in Cardiff High School in February 2020 (before the coronavirus lockdown in the UK). I was invited to speak at the conference and it was Rob who recommended me to the organisers. Rob was aware of my work – and the need for some serious pioneering in his home country of Wales.
I wanted to ensure my talk for the researchEDCymru conference was pertinent for Wales and so I collaborated with Rob about the content. Rob was enormously helpful to me, and in the process I became more informed about the teaching of reading – in English – in Wales. Having moved to glorious West Wales a few years ago I already had some awareness about different types of schools in Wales (for example, ‘Welsh Medium’ schools where the curriculum is taught in the Welsh language), and I’ve historically and recently provided teacher-training in Wales, but Rob has first-hand teaching experience, and a deep understanding of the challenges for teaching reading and spelling in English, in Wales.
Subsequent to my talk, Rob was invited to write a guest post for the ’15 Minute Forum Cymru’ blog (“discussing all things ‘Learning and Teaching'” at https://15mfcymru.blogspot.com ). Rob’s resulting post is excellent and I asked both Rob and teacher-blogger Barri Mock if I could add Rob’s post to ‘The Naked Emperor’ blog. But look at the wonderful response I received from Barri:
It is Rob’s post and I am but a concerned conduit. The rights belong to him although the messages are lovely and full of respect. There is no need to highlight my blog in all truth as I am just asking and curating debate about many things. I love your work and enjoyed a short time with you at rEDCymru – you opened my eyes to many things that troubled me but had not clarified. I am a full supporter and share your work as much as possible. Honestly, the post is completely Rob’s and I am honoured to have prompted and hosted, but that is all. Love the blog and please tag me in anytime you want a retweet (@15mfcymru). Hope this is helpful.
Further:
Let his blog be the focus. The fact that he wrote it in response to my request following your rED talks, which was the first time I actually met him face to face too is enough. I love the level of respect here but you are already a part of my PLN, and I want Rob to have all of the focus on this – such an important message which if acted upon fills me with hope.
So, in truth, my intention for this particular post has changed to feature not only Rob’s important guest post which he originally wrote for Barri’s blog, but also to show the warmth and commitment of some of the people (in this case, both Rob and Barri) who do indeed go the extra mile for the sake of the education of adults and children alike.
Now, please do read the shocking revelations in Rob’s post about guidance for teachers in Wales:
I started a thread featuring Rob’s post – highlighting some of its content – for the International Foundation for Effective Reading Instruction:
Wales, UK: Outstanding post by Rob Randel – laying bare flawed official guidance
The founding committee for the International Foundation for Effective Reading Instruction has invited pioneer Rob Randel to join its ‘Advisory Group‘ – representing his country of Wales. Thankfully, Rob has accepted.
Please note: Anyone interested in the field of teaching foundational literacy in the English language would benefit from visiting the Forum of the International Foundation for Effective Reading Instruction!
Follow Rob Randel on Twitter: @robrandel
Follow Barri Mock on Twitter: 15 Minute Forum Cymru @15mfcymru
Follow me on Twitter: @debbiehepp
