Official launch of LLEN at ISFC 2025
We are excited to announce we will be launching the Language and Literacy in Education Network (LLEN) at the 50th International Systemic Functional Congress and Institute (ISFC 50), held at the University of Glasgow from 7 to 11 July 2025.
The Network has been established in response such issues as the threat to Linguistics departments at the tertiary level and the disturbing state of language education in school systems, where policy makers are making ill-informed decisions (‘back to basics’) and commercial publishers are disseminating resources that lack a rigorous, theoretically-informed, current and useful model of language.
The Network will provide a communal space where those involved in the development and application of SFL in educational contexts can come together to share experiences, research and resources. It also seeks to act as an advocate for SFL-informed approaches to literacy education, particularly in relation to those involved in decision-making around policy design and implementation at the school, state and national levels.
To further these aims, a number of committees have been formed which provide opportunities for all members to contribute to the work of the Network:
Teachers’ Voices Forum: creating networks between schools using SFL-based programs and sharing their experiences (e.g. through the Network website, workshops and conference presentations).
The Professional Learning and Materials Production Consortium: promoting the various enterprises offering professional learning in schools and online; and creating classroom-based teaching materials for use in schools.
The Centre for Research and Policy in Language Education: conducting analyses of policy documents, support resources and commercial materials dealing with language education in schools; publishing findings; and supporting research projects in school contexts.
The Higher Education and Initial Teacher Education Group: sharing of issues involved in the development, implementation and viability of programs concerned with language in education.
The International Committee: reaching out to those working with SFL in educational contexts across various regions with a view to collaborating around matters of common interest.
The Outreach Team: development and maintenance of the website, including currency of content regularly provided by the various committees.
The Network is led by two Executive Officers (Annette Turney and Damon Thomas) and assisted by a Support Committee and an Expert Panel. The colloquium will report on the work of the Network and its various committees and will invite discussion with the audience on the achievements and issues encountered along the way, with a view to possible future collaborations.
