Other Information:

IRC Book Club
Join educators from around the state in an online book club.  The book will be Summer Reading:  Closing the Rich/Poor Gap by renowned researcher and literacy leader, Richard Allington.  The book discussion will occur over a five-month period starting in November 2013.  Participants are eligible to receive 15 CPDUs.  Registration is FREE for IRC Members with an optional $30 processing fee for CPDUs.  The cost for non-members is $75.  Register by November 20th. 

Illinois Reads
Under the auspices of the Illinois Reading Council, Illinois Reads will be a yearly statewide project to promote reading for all Illinois citizens. Six books in six age bands from birth to adult will be selected.  The work of Illinois Authors will be highlighted.

2014 IRC Conference Student Stipends
CIRP is accepting applications for the Student Conference Attendance Support Stipends for the 2014 IRC Conference.  Applicants must be full-time education majors attending a college or university in Illinois.  Up to fifteen $100 stipends will be awarded.  Winners will be notified by email by January 30, 2014.

ILLC Young Authors Conference
ILLC will sponsor the 40th Annual Illinois Young Authors Conference on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at ISU in Normal, Illinois.  The Conference will honor exceptional writing by students in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade.  The guidelines and information is available online.

IRC Professional Development Services
  IRCPD offers a cadre of educators available for on-site training and custom programs to assist you and your faculty reach all your educational goals. 

Educational Initiatives and PD Committee
The IRC Educational Initiatives and Professional Development Committee has posted many resources to help in the transition to the Common Core State Standards and implementation of RtI.  

IRC Legislative Issues
Review the latest news from the IRA and IRC Legislative Committees released on November 11, 2013.  Recent posts include how the Federal Shut Down impacts schools, the battle for teacher pensions, and changes to the insurance program that serves TRS and SURS participants.  Also, the latest press release from the PARCC Governing Board that included several key decisions to support the long-term sustainability and success of the consortium.