IRC believes...

• literacy is a fundamental human right.
  
  
• literacy is a powerful tool for justice and equity and must be protected as a right for all students.
  
  
• in diversity, equity, and inclusion because representation matters. 
  
  
• in protecting reader’s rights, which include access to learning in a variety of methods, access to books, and access to choice. 
  
  
• in the importance of libraries and librarians.
  
  
• in promoting the joy of reading, writing, and the power of story for lifelong learning.
  
  
• educators need to be equipped with peer-reviewed, sustainable, research-based practices.
  
  
• equitable assessment is a blend of informal and formal measures that informs instruction.
  
  
• learners have different strengths and needs, and therefore should have access to  peer-reviewed, research-based strategies, methods, and practices within differentiated multi-tiered systems of support.
  
  
• educators need access to high quality resources and professional development that prepares them to be flexible and adaptable to best serve their students.
  
  
• families are an integral part of children’s literacy lives.
  
  
• in celebrating creators of childrens’ literature and young adult literature. 
  
  
• that education is a valued profession, and therefore educators must be trusted and empowered as decision-makers.
  
  
• in community, collaborative conversations, and collegiality.