Unexpectedly on Saturday we lost a pillar of educational research, advocacy and literacy education, Bob Slavin of John Hopkins University. With his brilliance and passion, he played many critical roles throughout his career to advance the field with collegiality, generosity and unwavering commitment to assuring equitable literacy outcomes for children.
Bob was an example of a person who expended all his energy doing what was constructive and productive—he was visionary and collaborative, respectful and highly respected by all who had the opportunity to work with him.
Most recently we partnered with Bob and his team as part of his proventutoring.org vision to marshall evidence-based programs and reach his goal of training 100,000 tutors to reach all the children who need opportunities to make accelerated learning progress. After working on finishing touches on the website on Saturday, it was launched on Monday. He made it possible and now our goal is to honor his legacy by pledging our best efforts to achieve his dream. It has been and will be our honor to continue the work that was so close to his heart.
We have all been shocked by this loss and offer his family and friends our deepest condolences. Bob lived a life that has touched so many- and we will surely miss him.
The Center for Reading Recovery & Literacy Collaborative