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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



 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


Upcoming events

  • 2025-2026 C3 Coordinators Connect and Collaborate

    • 10/15/2025
    • 04/08/2026
    • 4 sessions
    • Virtual
    • 38
    • 12 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

  • Exhibitor Lunch Order

    • 10/27/2025
    • 10/28/2025
    Register

    EXHIBITOR LUNCH ORDER (optional)

    As a 2025 Exhibitor you may pre-order up to TWO Box Lunches for one or both of the conference days. 

    A selection of lunch options will be provided by NIU Catering for you to choose from each day.  Box Lunch includes a gourmet sandwich or wrap, chips or fruit, dessert item, and bottled water or soda (subject to change).

    Payment must be made at the time of order.

    Orders must be placed by end of the day on THURSDAY OCT 9th.

    Lunches are non-refundable.

    Show details

  • PRESENTERS 2025 IAGC CONFERENCE

    • 10/27/2025
    • 8:00 AM
    • 10/28/2025
    • 4:00 PM
    • NIU Naperville, 1120 E Diehl Rd, Naperville, IL 60563


    IAGC 2025 CONFERENCE

    LEAD PRESENTER REGISTRATION

    NOTE: This registration is open to APPROVED IAGC CONFERENCE LEAD PRESENTERS ONLY.   Deadline MAY 28, 2025.

    • 1-day presenter ticket:   $145 (required to present)
    • 2-day presenter & discounted additional day:   $420 (alternative option)

    IMPORTANT DETAILS & INFORMATION

    CONFIRM and REGISTER

    • Your proposal acceptance email includes your tentative DAY of PRESENTATION and a REGISTRATION CODE.
    • This registration serves as confirmation to IAGC that you intend to present at the 30th Annual IAGC Conference on Monday October 27 and Tuesday October 28, 2025 at NIU Naperville as the Lead Presenter (details to follow).
    • Please register using the CODE that was sent to you in your proposal acceptance letter. 
    • Payment may be deferred, and is due by SEPTEMBER 12th, 2025.
    TICKET INFORMATION
    • This PRESENTER TICKET, $145, is a one-day, non-transferable ticket, so that you may attend other conference sessions on the day you are  presenting if you choose.  The ticket also INCLUDES a box-lunch and entrance to the Monday Social Hour Celebration 3:45pm - 5:00pm.
    • Alternatively, you may purchase a TWO-DAY Presenter Ticket.  This ticket includes presentation day ($145), a DISCOUNTED second day ($275) and a box lunch for each day. Total: $420. 

      This special discount is only available until MAY 28, 2025 with your Presenter Confirmation. After May 28, Presenters may purchase a second-day attendee ticket at the general member or non-member price.  

    CO-PRESENTER INFORMATION 
    • When your session proposal was submitted, you may have included the name of ONE co-presenter.  It is your responsibility to share schedule information with your co-presenters.
    • Any co-presenters who are not a LEAD Presenter will need to purchase a GUEST REGISTRATION TICKET when they become available.  Co-presenters are not guaranteed to be included in the Conference Schedule, but we will do our best.  
    • If you are also a co-presenter on a day you are not a lead presenter, please make sure you register for the co-presenting day, either with the Presenter 2-day ticket, or with a general Guest Registration ticket.
    • Co-presenters must be registered for the conference in order to be added to the session schedule.
    TIMELINE for PRESENTERS
    • MAY 28 -- PRESENTER TICKET REGISTRATION CLOSES
    • JUNE 5 -- DRAFT SESSION SCHEDULE POSTED
    • JULY 1 -- COMPLETE BIO AND PROFILE IN SCHED
    • SEPTEMBER 1 -- CO-PRESENTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE TO GUARANTEE SCHED LISTING
    • SEPTEMBER 12 -- DEFERRED REGISTRATION PAYMENT DUE
    • OCTOBER 1 -- SCHEDULE AND ROOMS FINALIZED
    • OCTOBER 27 & 28 -- IAGC CONFERENCE!!
    LATE REGISTRATIONS
    • We are committed to posting a draft schedule and list of presenters to our many members and conference attendees by June 1 or as soon as possible! 
    • If you are unable to confirm by May 28th, the IAGC cannot guarantee that a spot will be held for you.  
    • Late presenter registrations may be charged at the member-guest rate.


    We know how much our attendees gain from the wisdom, research, and practice of our many fabulous presenters! Therefore, please make sure you register asap and are able to attend to help us share out the schedule to everyone quickly!   

    Questions:  office@iagcgifted.org.


    PRESENTER TICKET RATES are only available until MAY 28th.


    Show details

  • 2025 Sponsor / Exhibitor Registration

    • 10/27/2025
    • 8:00 AM
    • 10/28/2025
    • 4:00 PM
    • NIU Conference Center 1120 E Diehl Rd, Naperville, IL 60563
    • 8


    2025 CONFERENCE

    SPONSOR/ EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION

    EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

    Join the IAGC as a Sponsor and/or Exhibitor for the 30th Annual IAGC Conference.

    This year the IAGC Conference will once again be held at the NIU Naperville Center at 1120 E Diehl Rd, Naperville, IL 60563. 

    Monday October 27 & Tuesday October 28  8:00am - 4:00pm

    • 30-minute Exhibitor Breaks each day
    • ALL Exhibitors will be positioned within high-traffic, attendee transition areas
    • ALL Exhibitors will have access to an online "booth" via SCHED and will be listed in the VIRTUAL RESOURCE SHOWCASE (Upgrade available to Exhibitors)
    • Exhibitor scavenger hunt and raffle prizes for attendees to increase engagement
    • SPONSOR Bonuses:  mini-breakout option (with approval); VIP invite to Social Hour;  SCHED video promo; Keynote Introduction; Free lunch; and more!!
      Please read ALL TICKET DESCRIPTIONS on the registration page before selecting ONE. 

      Once you have selected your ticket type you will be able to add-on additional options.  

      Deadline for SPONSOR Registration is AUGUST 25, 2025

      Deadline for EXHIBITOR Registration is SEPTEMBER 15, 2025

      View ALL Sponsor / Exhibitor Packages, Rates, and Benefits

      Exhibitor Webpage


      Show details

    • 2025 ANNUAL IAGC CONFERENCE

      • 10/27/2025
      • 8:00 AM
      • 10/28/2025
      • 3:45 PM
      • NIU Naperville
      Register

      2025 IAGC Conference

      The 30th Annual IAGC Conference is excited to offer several options for our many attendees, members, and supporters from across the state of Illinois. 

      WHEN:      Monday October 27 and Tuesday October 28, 2025

      TIME:         8:00 am - 3:45 pm

      WHERE:    NIU Naperville Conference Center,  1120 E. Diehl Road, Naperville IL  60563


      WHO:  Monday Keynote Presenter:  Genein Letford, NAGC Board Member

                   Tuesday Keynote Presenter:  Dr. Brian Housand

       

      5 hrs PD credit per day


      2025 Highlights

      • A one-day virtual ticket includes 5 pre-selected sessions (including the Keynote presentation) on Monday only for those who are unable to travel to Naperville.  
      • Box Lunch INCLUDED with in-person registration each day
      • Monday Social Hour / 30th Anniversary Celebration in the NIU Ballroom immediately following last session , including complimentary refreshments, raffle prizes, meet and greet with our Keynote Presenters and our Sponsors, and fun / challenging games!
      • Note:  PRESENTER discounts are available for LEAD Presenters only.  Co-Presenters who are not also Lead Presenters, are asked to register with a General Registration ticket. 
         TICKET   Early Bird Pricing  After Sept 28
         1 Day Member*  $310  $340
         2 Day Member  $550  $580
         1 Day Non-Member  $350  $380
         2 Day Non-Member  $620  $650
         Virtual (Monday only)  $250  $250
             

        CONFERENCE DETAILS and UPDATES


        Membership Registrations may not be combined with Conference Registrations.     

        * BECOME A MEMBER HERE  first, then register once your membership is activated.


          Show details

        • PARENT-DISCOUNT 2025 CONFERENCE (TUESDAY ONLY)

          • 10/28/2025
          • 8:00 AM - 3:45 PM
          • NIU Naperville
          • 74
          Register



          PARENT TICKET

          for

          TUESDAY OCT 28

          2025 IAGC CONFERENCE

          This Parent Ticket provides a one-day discount for parents, grandparents and caregivers to experience the many sessions at the 2025 IAGC Conference that are especially relevant for gifted and advanced learners and their families. 

          As part of the IAGC Annual Conference, parents are invited to attend engaging speakers, network with other parents and professionals, and connect with  exhibitor resources, alongside hundreds of conference attendees! 

          LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 2025 CONFERENCE


          WHEN:      Tuesday October 28, 2025

          TIME:         8:00 am - 3:45 pm

          WHERE:    NIU Naperville Conference Center,  1120 E. Diehl Road, Naperville IL  60563

          WHO:    Parents, grandparents, and caregivers of Gifted Children, Advanced Learners, Twice Exceptional Students as well as PTA members, Gifted Support Group members, and parents who are curious about the policies that impact advanced learning opportunities and how to advocate for their children throughout their education journey. 

          NOTE:

          The Parent Ticket does NOT include PD Hour credit. 

          The Parent Ticket does NOT include a Box Lunch.

          Ticket Pricing

          IAGC Members $125
          Non-Members $155
          Plus 1 (Guest Ticket) $25

          Become an IAGC Member


          Parent-Focused Highlights

          Keynote Speaker Dr. Brian Housand -- Cultivating Pearls of Potential: From Unseen Grit to Unforgettable Brilliance

          • Attend up to 5 Parent Focused Strands including: 
            • Acceleration and Identification
            • Social-Emotional Learning and Support
            • Addressing Opportunity Gaps
            • Effective Use of Technology 
            • Effective Program Leadership
          • Network with our Exhibitors to learn about Resources, Services, and Opportunities for gifted children
          • Opportunities to get involved with IAGC Policy & Advocacy Committee

              Note:  This is an adult-only event.  No childcare or children's activities are available. 


              Show details

            Accelerated Placement Act Options

            ISBE  Advanced Learner Program Opportunities




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

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