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Policy and Advocacy

The IAGC Policy and Advocacy Committee invites you to join our efforts in advocating for the academic needs of advanced learners and to promote and communicate policies that contribute to those needs.  

Please look through the links below, join our next Policy and Advocacy Committee meeting, or volunteer to share our current advocacy efforts.



Contact our Policy & Advocacy Co-Chairs for More Information:

 Julie Luck Jensen and Pamela Shaw  and Deanna Markos



Upcoming events

  • 2025-2026 C3 Coordinators Connect and Collaborate

    • 12/10/2025
    • 04/08/2026
    • 3 sessions
    • Virtual
    • 31
    • 19 registrants
    Register

    C3: Coordinators Connect and Collaborate

    Welcome to the 2025-2026 School Year

    If you are a Gifted Coordinator or work in a gifted program leadership role, please join the IAGC for our 4-session, Bi-Monthly Virtual Support Meetings in which we provide resources, discussions, and strategies to help teachers work with advanced learners in their classroom.

    Topic:  The Fordham Institute Pipeline Report

    Coordinators and district/school leaders are invited to join the conversation as we review research and recommendations from the recent report: Building a Wider, More Diverse Pipeline of Advanced Learners, published by the National Working Group on Advanced Education. Strategies for developing a comprehensive continuum of services for advanced learning within districts/schools will be a key area of focus.

    This topic will be covered over the course of 4 sessions, October, December 2025 and January, April 2026. 

    Coordinators of advanced academic programming are invited to join this year's C3 conversations as we address a new topic.

    Bring your questions, ideas, and solutions to share with other Gifted Coordinators across the state.

    2025-26 DATES

     Wednesday October 15 2025

    12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
     Wednesday December 10 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
     Wednesday January 28 2026 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
     Wednesday April 8 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM






    Registration Fees

    Free to members

    $50 for non-members (includes all 4 sessions)

    $25 for one additional guest (non-member)


    * requires a minimum  of 10 registrations

    * no refunds (refund policy)

    Show details

  • WINTER 2026 IAGC Gifted Education Modules: Foundations for Teaching Advanced Learners in Today's Classrooms

    • 01/14/2026
    • 02/18/2026
    • 6 sessions
    • online
    • 4
    Register


    WINTER 2026

    Modules in Gifted Education:

    Foundations for Teaching Advanced Learners

    in Today's Classrooms

    IAGC Professional Development (virtual)

    $375/Members, $425/Non-Members, $999/ Group of THREE

    Wednesday evenings

    Jan 14 - Feb 18

    6:30pm - 8:30pm

    (6 sessions)

    Jan 14, 21, 28 Feb 4, 22, 18

    (dates and times subject to change)

    PD Project Due:  February 25, 2026

    Designed for classroom teachers and enrichment teachers who serve advanced learners in grades K-8, each module provides practical knowledge and evidence-based strategies to meet the needs of students who achieve and/or have the potential to achieve at high levels. Attendees will gain an understanding of current, equitable and inclusive approaches in the field of gifted education and explore programming/instructional models, classroom structures, and collaborations to support advanced learners. Projects and readings are designed with an eye to applicability/relevance to classroom practice. Classroom teachers, new enrichment/advanced programming teachers, and educators seeking to update their foundational skills and knowledge for developing talents of advanced learners are encouraged to participate.

    Each of three virtual modules includes 4 hours of synchronous and 6 hours of independent learning. A Certificate of Course Completion from IAGC and 30 PD hours will be provided upon completion of all three modules. Instead of Professional Development hours, participants can opt to earn two semester hours from Lindenwood University upon completing module requirements.

    Note: Assignments will be provided and submitted on the Google Classroom platform. All participants are required to have a Google Account and email to participate in this course.


    Course Overview:

    Module 1: Understanding Advanced Learners (4 hours in-class time + 6 hours independent learning)

    Part 1 - Conceptions of Giftedness (2 hour class + readings and assignments)

    Part 2 - Recognizing and Developing Gifts and Talents (2 hour class + readings and assignments)

      Module 2: Programming, Collaborations and Classroom Structures to Support Growth of Advanced Learners (4 hours in-class time + 6 hours independent learning)

      Part 1 -  Supporting Growth of Advanced Learners Through the MTSS Framework, Assessment, and Professional Learning Communities (2-hour virtual class + readings and assignments)

      Part 2 -  Classroom, Community, and Family Collaborations to Support Advanced Learners (2-hour  virtual class + readings and assignments)

      Module 3: Differentiation and Instructional Strategies for Advanced Learners (4 hours in-class time + 6 hours independent learning)

      Part 1 -  Key Components of Differentiated Instruction for Advanced Learners (2-hour virtual class + readings and assignments)

      Part 2 - Student-Centered Differentiation for Advanced Learners (2-hour  virtual class + readings and assignments)

      Required Text: Heacox, D. and Cash, R., Differentiation for Gifted Learners: Going Beyond the Basics (revised and updated edition). Free Spirit Publishing, 2020 (ISBN: 978-1-63198-432-7) 
      *Participants are responsible for obtaining the text as it is not included in the module registration fee.

      Book is available from Amazon and other book sellers.

      All classroom sessions must be attended and readings/assignments completed for module credit. 30 hours of professional development credit is available after satisfactorily completing all of the requirements/assignments.  


      Note:

      Course will run subject to sufficient enrollment.

      No refunds unless course is cancelled by the IAGC.

      Contact IAGC for large group (10+) discount.

      Payment due by first day of class unless otherwise arranged for group registration. 

      Contact office@iagcgifted.org to request special arrangements.


      Show details

    • IAGC Virtual Parent Mini-Conference

      • 01/22/2026
      • 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
      • VIRTUAL
      Register


      IAGC Virtual Parent Mini-Conference

      A FREE VIRTUAL EVENT FOR PARENTS OF GIFTED, ADVANCED, TWICE-EXCEPTIONAL, OR UNIQUELY TALENTED CHILDREN.

      THURSDAY JANUARY 22, 2026

      5:30pm - 8:30pm

      Three Session Topics:  

      1. ADVOCACY & ACCELERATION
      2. TWICE-EXCEPTIONALITY
      3. EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING SKILLS

      All Registrations:

      • Option to Attend LIVE for all or part or watch later
      • Time for Q & A for individualized / further support   
      • Access to REPLAY RECORDED presentation sessions for 3 months
      • Digital Brochure including a Virtual Resource Showcase
      • 1 year FREE IAGC Parent Membership 

      LEARN MORE


      Show details

    • 2026 PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP/ SPONSOR sign up

      • 02/07/2026
      • IAGC website
      Register




      SIGN UP

      2026  PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP or SPONSOR 

      Promotional and Networking Opportunities for Organizations and Professionals who provide services to families and educators of gifted and advanced students. 

      Registration Period:  Oct 25, 2025 -- Feb 1, 2026

      Late Registration:  Feb 2, 2026 -- June 1, 2026   Full benefits may be limited

      OPTION 1:  Professional Member
      • Name and contact information listed in the Professional Directory available to IAGC community.
      • Select a preferred Professional Category 
      • OPTIONAL:  Add-On 1 month "spotlight" on Sponsor Page
      • Option to contribute one 5-minute prerecorded mini-lesson to the IAGC  video library  (with approval of IAGC)
      • $225 for all of 2026
      VIEW 2025 PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY


      OPTION 2:  Professional Sponsor   

      • Logo and Link displayed on IAGC Home Page, IAGC Parent Page, IAGC Educator Page
      • Photo Gallery Highlight on Home Page
      • Brief description, Name, Logo and/or Link on Professional Services Page as a permanent "spotlight".
      • Option to include a free Email Capture Link -- document, webinar, consulting session, etc.
      • Listing in Professional Directory, up to 3 Professional Categories.
      • Option to contribute one 15 minute mini-lesson to IAGC video library (coming soon!)
      • Included in the IAGC Quarterly newsletter.
      • Included in occasional member or contact email &/or social media communications.
      • Option to introduce a PD or Parent event.
      • Other...
      • $950 for all of 2026
        VIEW 2025 PROFESSIONAL SPONSOR PAGE


        MORE INFORMATION HERE


        Questions?  director@iagcgifted.org

          Show details

        Accelerated Placement Act Options

        ISBE  Advanced Learner Program Opportunities


         LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS

        2025 BILLS DIRECTLY IMPACTING ADVANCED LEARNERS

        IAGC's BILL    SB1983 SCH CD-GIFTED & TALENTED

        PASSED SENATE & HOUSE

        Sen. Mary Edly-Allen

        Amends the School Code. Removes language providing that a local program for the education of gifted and talented children may be approved for funding by the State Board of Education if funds for that purpose are available and if the local program submits an application for funds that includes a comprehensive plan. Removes language providing that the State Board of Education staff person in charge of educational programs for gifted and talented children shall be responsible for developing an approval process for educational programs for gifted and talented children.




        BILLS TO WATCH 

        Check here for bills that need your support or opposition!



        PAST  POLICY & ADVOCACY EFFORTS

        2024 IAGC Policy & Advocacy

        SB3164 SCH CD-ASSESSMENT RESTRICTION

        Sponsored by Sen. Mary Edly-Allen

        PASSED by the Senate and the House

        SIGNED into law by Gov. Pritzker

        Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning restrictions on prekindergarten through grade 2 assessments, provides that the term "diagnostic and screening purposes" includes to determine eligibility for advanced academic programs, as defined in the Gifted and Talented Children and Children Eligible for Accelerated Placement Article of the Code. Effective immediately.


        HB5250 SCH CD-ACCELERATED PLACEMENT

        Sponsored by Rep. Carol Ammons

        PASSED by the House and the Senate

        SIGNED into law by Gov. Pritzker

        Amends the Gifted and Talented Children and Children Eligible for Accelerated Placement Article of the School Code. Provides that a school district's accelerated placement policy may allow for the waiver of a course or unit of instruction completion requirement if (i) completion of the course or unit of instruction is required by the Code or rules adopted by the State Board of Education as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma and (ii) the school district has determined that the student has demonstrated mastery of or competency in the content of the course or unit of instruction. Provides that the school district shall maintain documentation of this determination of mastery or competency for each student, which must include identification of the learning standards or competencies reviewed, the methods of measurement used, student performance, the date of the determination, and identification of the district personnel involved in the determination process. Provides that a school district must provide notification to a student's parent or guardian that the student will receive a waiver. Makes a corresponding change in the Courses of Study Article of the Code. Effective immediately.

        House Committee Amendment No. 1

        Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the bill as introduced with the following changes. In provisions concerning accelerated placement, provides that a school district's accelerated placement policy shall cover a student who exceeds State standards in specified coursework (instead of meets or exceeds State standards in specified coursework). Provides that by no later than the beginning of the 2027-2028 school year, a school district's accelerated placement policy shall provide the option, in the following school term, for a student to enroll in the next most rigorous level of advanced coursework offered by the high school if the student meets State standards in English language arts, mathematics, or science on a State assessment administered following specified requirements for specified coursework. Effective immediately.



        2023 IAGC Policy & Advocacy

        Senate Bill  SB2337  

        103rd General Assembly

        PASSED by the Senate and the House

        Signed into Law by the Governor!


        Amends the Gifted and Talented Children and Children Eligible for Accelerated Placement Article of the School Code.

        THANK YOU to the Sponsors of SB2337:

        State Senators:  Mary Edly-Allen - Rachel Ventura, Suzy Glowiak Hilton, Meg Loughran Cappel and Javier L. Cervantes.

        State Representative:  Nabeela Syed


        THANK YOU to the 2023 IAGC Policy and Advocacy Team

          

        Senator Mary Edly Allen and Policy & Advocacy Co-Chair Pam Shaw

        Representative Syed, P&A Co-Chair Pam Shaw, Advisor Phil Milsk


        Learn how a Bill becomes a Law HERE

        Find your State Legislator HERE




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        Illinois Association for Gifted Children

        1500 Sullivan Road
        Aurora, IL 60506

        Ph: 630-907-5047
        Fax: 630-907-5976

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